How PTIPS Works
PTIPS works by combining, on the one hand, schedule and route path information for buses performing timetabled services (as opposed to, say, charter trips), and on the other hand, live location data transmitted by the buses to PTIPS.
PTIPS receives XML data files from the public and private bus operators, which contain information relating to planned trips (for example, route paths, trips & schedules, bus stops etc.)
Each bus that PTIPS tracks is equipped with a hardware device that records its location via GPS, and transmits it to the central PTIPS servers via the 3G radio communications network. Buses transmit these messages at certain intervals (which are configurable, and which vary depending on what the bus is doing), and also when they pass certain points along their intended route. Apart from GPS location, the transmitted messages also include information about the vehicle and which trip it is doing.
With the above information, PTIPS can compare the location of a bus performing a certain trip, at a certain point in time, with where it should be, based on the planned route and timetable data.
Read more about this topic: Public Transport Information And Priority System
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