MEDIA RELEASE

Sydney on the move in real time,with BRIDJ on demand services integrated in Region 6 Bus Contract

Commuters in Sydney’s Inner West will be able to book a dedicated seat on a BRIDJ on demand bus service from 1 July 2018, with an initial five of the potential 32 micro buses entering the contract region on day one of the contract, better connecting customers with existing mass transit services in the region.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance today announced Transit Systems as the new operator of bus services in region 6, representing the best global example of a public transport contract that truly integrates both fixed route and on demand transit, using BRIDJ services.

BRIDJ, a subsidiary of Transit Systems, is a global leader in developing Demand Responsive Technology for ‘mass’ transportation, with a trial of on demand services already successfully underway in Western Sydney, with more than 1000 app downloads since it went live in Region 3, on 4 December 2017.

Leveraging its big data analytics software to better understand how customers ‘want’ to move in their city, the BRIDJ proprietary software optimises service delivery through dynamic routing, stopping and passenger clustering.

For 1 July 2018, BRIDJ’s first service in Canada Bay, Concord and Strathfield will commence, with a further 10 possible services set to follow throughout the five-year contract. BRIDJ General Manager, John Langford-Ely, said commuters will benefit from more flexible bus services that offer more convenience and better connectivity to the broader trunk public transport network.

“Having on demand services incorporated into a larger network plan is a game changer for how global cities approach the planning and delivery of their integrated transport networks. Over the course of the contract, BRIDJ will analyse how Sydney commuters use its services in order to better inform future planning decisions and how it further develops the technology.

“We will work with the NSW Government to enhance the mix of transport alternatives available to Sydney commuters and ensure right-sized services are offered to passengers where and when they want them” he said.

In taking this innovative approach, the Government has created an environment where the Sydney network can evolve to better serve the travel needs of Sydney commuters. It’s a progressive vision, befitting for one of the world’s most iconic cities.

“The BRIDJ technology will continually and dynamically optimise routes to meet customer needs in and around the catchment zones, with the aim of increasing service levels, reducing travel times and improving convenience,” he said.

BRIDJ will also collaborate with Transport for NSW to investigate the integration of its fare system with OpalPay, to ensure a seamless connection for customers between different public transport services.

Commuters can simply download the BRIDJ app and book a bus trip with a dedicated seat.

“Customers are able to track their vehicle’s arrival and their onward journey in real-time on their smartphone, while behind the scenes the BRIDJ technology optimises the route and drop off locations to avoid congestion when possible and take the shortest possible route to reduce customer journey times.

As part of the eight-year contract, the Government will continue to have regulatory oversight of the on demand services, fares and depots.

“This is an exciting time for commuters in Sydney, with a new and convenient public transport service that we hope will provide an attractive alternative to driving in order to help relieve congestion in the future” he said.