Marine Log - October 2008 - (Page 30)

FERRYTICKETING FERRIES GET “SMARTER” I mproving the ferry travel experience has been one of the driving forces behind UK-based software development company, codeCreation, which was chosen by Transport for London (TfL) to deliver a groundbreaking real-time passenger information system for London River Services (LRS) in 2005. The full fleet management potential of the system that codeCreation has put in place for LRS is now being realized, and additional value-added services are bearing fruit. Originally commissioned to create a ferry-based, real-time passenger information (RTPI) system, the software platform is built upon codeCreation’s own advanced telematics platform, Odyssys, a software suite that embraces existing and proven Microsoft technologies. Effectively, the solution has been designed both by and for the maritime and ferry market and is not just a “marinized” version of an existing land-based system. Where codeCreation broke new ground was in the ability to provide a proactive rather than reactive network— individual assets continually sending out positional references to a server rather than the server requesting information, hence the ability to track in real time. Vessel Masters use a touch screen onboard tablet computer to log onto their required route and in turn be provided easy to read linear visual information of their position in regards to the timetable—whether they are on time, behind time or ahead of timetable, and by exactly how many minutes. As the ferry travels, the onboard computer transmits a continuous positional reference (received via the GPS) to codeCreation’s server. This is then checked by the software platform against a set timetable and relayed to the appropriate signs at each pier. The data is also available on TfL’s Journey Planner website, which allows users to access real-time journey information about their selected route and also access ferry information, via a PDA or WAP enabled mobile phone. In addition, codeCreation produced a Multi Mesh AVLS, which provides onboard wi-fi for both crew and passengers. The Multi Mesh AVLS not only delivers a wi-fi Hotspot, but also opportunities for advertising, and therefore revenue, from the captive or top portals. This level of wi-fi or access to the internet in turn enables the delivery of other operational services, including onboard SMART ticketing using handheld wireless ticket machines. Wireless ticketing has already improved customer satisfaction and helped operational efficiency for ferry operators. Using industry standard, ruggedized and waterproof ticketing devices allows ticketing on almost any type of ferry, with some devices capable of chip and PIN payment as well. ML HOSTILE TAKEOVER What should you do? Join the discussion at: JAN. 27-28, 2009, Arlington, VA www.marinelog.com/DOCS/conf.html 30 MARINE LOG OCTOBER 2008 www.marinelog.com http://www.marinelog.com/DOCS/Conf.html http://www.marinelog.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Marine Log - October 2008

Marine Log - October 2008 Contents Editorial Second Thoughts Update Inside Washington Fresh Fuel Ferries Exhibitors Preview Ferries get "Smarter" China's Great Ambitions Newsmakers Tech News Contracts Events Website Directory ML Buyer's Guide ML Marketplace Shipbuilding History

Marine Log - October 2008

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