Ferranti Computer Systems delivers passenger information system to Waterbus
- PRESS RELEASE -
Ferranti, supplier of specialised IT services, is providing a new passenger information system to Waterbus. Waterbus is responsible for a public transport connection across the water between Dordrecht and Rotterdam, and between the various Drecht cities, e.g. Zwijndrecht, Papendrecht, etc. Thanks to Ferranti’s new information system passengers will be informed about changes to the timetable.
The Dordrecht Waterbus is a specially built catamaran that has been providing a fast connection between the Drecht cities and Rotterdam for a good six years. Ferranti installed information systems on the Waterbus landing stages to keep passengers up-to-date about extra services or possible delays, etc.
Ferranti’s information system consists of two parts: the operating system and the pontoon system. Waterbus shore personnel can send reports to the operating system via pocket PCs with a big screen and an in-built SMS functionality. The SMS messages can be previously defined standard reports as well as on-the-hoof reports concerning delays, extra services or cancellations. The operating system then sends these reports to the various landing stages.
The passengers can read the reports on LED displays. These screens are situated on the pontoons that serve as landing stages. The displays are on the following landing stages: Dordrecht Hooikade, Zwijndrecht Veerplein, Dordrecht Merwekade, Papendrecht Veerdam, Oosteind and Westeind, Sliedrecht Middeldiep, H.I Ambacht, Alblasserdam, Ridderkerk, Krimpen aan de IJssel and Rotterdam.
“This is a totally new system for Waterbus.” said Ad Reniers, Manager at Waterbus. “Ferranti did something similar for trams and buses, but installing such a system on water was a different story. It was a challenge for us both, but the project went swimmingly.”
About Ferranti Computer Systems NV
Ferranti Computer Systems was set up in 1976 as a division of Ferranti International. Ferranti has been a part of the Dutch Nijkerk Group since 1994. In addition to the main office in Antwerp the company has an office in Amsterdam. Back in 1994 Ferranti was one of the first IT companies to obtain an ISO 9001 certificate. Ferranti boasts more than 25 years’ experience in ICT consultancy, systems development and integration, network technology, managed services and business process outsourcing for a number of specific markets, such as energy and public utilities, public transport, industry and service organisations.
Some of Ferranti’s customers include Huntsman, Connexxion, Essent, Indexis, Delta and Schiphol Airport.