The Realtime System

"Real time" in public transport is used about departure times that are updated themselves "live" (in real time). The departure time is calculated based on how much time the vehicle normally uses between two stops and the distance it has driven since the last report point. "Real time" must not be confused with time which is true as in an answer book. The system is based on travel time in a normal situation, but unfortunately knows little about how much more time the bus needs because of queues, traffic accidents, large amounts of snow and other incidents that create delays.

	Minutes and Departure Time Realtime signs with space for only two symbols show the number of minutes remaining until the next departure. Signs with space for multiple symbols, as well as the Internet and mobile phones, show the number of minutes remaining until departure for the next ten minutes, and the departure time for subsequent journeys. There is also the possibility to display messages about known disruptions to the public transport.
	“Ca” means Scheduled Departure Time In the event that we don’t have realtime information for a departure, the scheduled departure time according to the timetable will be shown. This is indicated by “ca” in front of the number of minutes remaining until departure. For example: “30 Bygdøy ca 9 min”. The reason for showing “ca” can be that there isn’t contact between the transport vehicle and the central system or sign, or that the transport vehicle hasn’t yet departed from the first stop on the route.
	“Kø” shows when the transport vehicle is stuck in traffic When the transport vehicle is stuck in traffic, the estimated departure time won’t be correct. In order to indicate this, we are experimenting with the sign showing the word “kø” (queue) interchanging with the destination name. Traffic congestion warnings are currently under testing and will be gradually adapted and added to the Internet and mobile solutions.
	Information about Service Disruptions The Realtime System’s estimates won’t always correspond with reality. In the event of unforeseen disruptions, like a traffic accident, the estimate won’t take into account how much time it will take to open the road or make a detour. This may also occur due to large snowfalls during winter. As it becomes available, our Info-operator publishes information about such disruptions on the screens for the affected stops. Oslo T-banedrift manages this for the metro system.

Want to know more?

Want to know more about how the Realtime System works, who operates it or who you can contact in order to set up your own realtime screens? Read more here.