Article in Público

Carris launches new fleet management system

Starting in Spring of next year, Carris’ passengers waiting at stops will know exactly how long they must wait for their bus or tram. Lisbon’s public transport operator will be installing an Operational Support System providing the best possible method of fleet management. By means of this system, the control centre will know the exact location of each vehicle and will be able to send to the information panels information on the exact time to the next bus.

The system will cost Carris PTE 1.2 billion, with an initial investment of PTE 360 million. Carris signed yesterday the contract for supply of the system by Tecmic, Radiomóvel and Efacec.

Vehicles will be equipped with an on-board computer and console, GPS antenna for satellite positioning, two-way radio and video surveillance, with a connection to the control centre which will monitor all received information. The control centre will thus receive continuous information concerning on-board activity, and will be able to provide support in emergency situations, choose alternative routes in case of blocked routes, provide reinforced service and calculate expected delay for each route.