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Mahesh Gidwani

State Rail Authority of New South Wales

The State Rail Authority of New South Wales has embarked upon an ambitious programme of installing new automated electronic Station Passenger Information systems (popularly known as SPI systems) throughout its CityRail network. The objective of installing these new systems is to provide accurate, timely and reliable information to passengers and CityRail staff.

The SPI system includes mechanisms to convey information by audio and visual means. During the late eighties cartridge tape based recorded announcements were introduced on CBD stations. This system was later replaced by Digitised Voice Annunciator (DVA) systems with proprietary hardware and software from Borge Pederson.

During the evaluation system it was found that the PC based DVA technology for conveying audio information was in line with the modem technology and met the requirements of the new SPI system. This paper describes the visual aspects of the SPI system in detail.

During feasibility stage various technologies, indicator layouts and system configurations were considered. Several options were evaluated in the office environment and also by installing prototype indicators at selected stations. Customer Service Standards were developed based on post implementation research. A pilot project was commissioned at Sydenham station in 1992. Since then similar SPI systems have been installed at Gosford and Sutherland stations and a project is under way for installation of SPI systems at seven additional stations. It is planned to provided similar SPI systems across most of the CityRail stations (except D class stations - with minimum traffic) by year 2000.