01/12/2010
With funding secuted through the project START, Cantabria is implementing a wide variety of activities in order to provide reliable information to the public and is successfully progressing the implementation and extension of the new Smart Card “Transporte de Cantabria”
Cantabria transport portal (www.transportedecantabria.es), was launched in May 2009. It provides information about regional buses and trains (journey planner for road transport) as well as other modes of transport.
It is also the main tool to manage the transport network through a restricted area for Government and operators exclusive use. This part will allow operators to update routes and timetables on line, through a procedure that requires a Government validation, so everything will be controlled and achieved avoiding paperwork and delays.
Through webservice systems, the website collects information from the train and bus companies which operate national services.
An accessibility audit has been carried out recently in order to verify accessibility criteria (level AA).
Real time information system
Cantabria has developed a real time information pilot-project which has been successfully tested. The system was installed and tested in 2 suburban buses. Installation of GPRS devices and hardware on board to implement the real time information system has been almost completed. So far 85 % of the regional fleet has been equipped.
Screens and information displays in the most important bus stops and bus stations of the region will show real time information for the passengers in the future. Screens in Santander Bus Station showing scheduled timetables and suburban main stops were installed in May 2010.
As a novelty, in order to combine transport and sustainability, some of these screens will be powered through solar energy. A new solar powered information panel has been installed in Santander Bus Station as part of the project at the beginning of 2010.
Other initiatives relating to information and new technologies developed by the Government of Cantabria include: new system for managing queues at the ticket counters in Santander Bus Station, (working from January 2010), Wifi access in main mid-range regional buses (working from summer 2009) or new information machines, connected with the regional transport website which provide information about timetables, prices, stops, etc. These devices are accessible for disabled people.
Advanced Ticketing Systems
Cantabria’s goal in this area was the implementation of a regional smartcard for all modes of public transport.
The implementation of the smart card in Cantabria has been successful. As the use of the card is spreading across the region more operators and public administrations are joining the system.
So far more than 46.000 citizens travel with the “Transporte de Cantabria” smart card, and the numbers are gradually increasing as main bus and train operators are being integrated in the network. Currently, all the regional bus operators, 4 out of 6 of urban transport networks, the main regional train company and the unique maritime transport operator belong to the smartcard network.
A rigorous survey is being carried out to determine the success of the measure. Current data show a positive trend. The proportion of travels made with the card in the regional bus services has grown up from 45,85 % in September 2009 to 53,81 % in May 2010
Future Actions are being scheduled to complete the system such as the extension to RENFE (medium distance trains) and Municipalities of Santander and Castro Urdiales (urban networks), definition of software characteristics and legal requirements for implementing a common price system or installation of new automatic machines (reload and balance consult) in main bus and train stations.
