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Home > Regional News > East & West Midlands
Wi-fi transport project launched
Monday June 16th 2008. Posted: 09:00
A pioneering new initiative has been launched in Birmingham that could lead to the latest wireless technology being used to ease traffic congestion and boost tourism.
The BT-supported project by Birmingham and Coventry universities takes advantage of Birmingham’s new BT wireless city network to try out a new range of sophisticated online tracking and monitoring devices. University researchers have built and installed the wireless devices in a range of eco-friendly transport - such as hydrogen fuel cell cars and a hydrogen hybrid canal boat - to demonstrate their potential. A mini touchscreen in each vehicle allows a driver or passenger to receive or send live information on location, deal with e-mails, use webcams and make hands-free calls over the internet via the wireless network. The project could be the forerunner of a fully-integrated, intelligent transport programme for Birmingham city centre. Some of the things the technology could be used for include monitoring the whereabouts of buses, trains and taxis, and relaying information on their whereabouts to waiting passengers; enabling local authorities to inform motorists about roadworks, traffic delays and road closures; and directing visitors to car parks or other venues. The launch is the culmination of eight months of research by the university partners. It has been funded by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands under the Science City initiative, and supported by businesses RDM, Shoothill and Microcab Industries. Coventry University Enterprises project manager Tim Luft said: “Following the successful development and deployment of these exciting new applications over the wireless city network by our consortium, the next step would be for us to pilot the technology among 1,000 people who use public transport and privately-owned vehicles. “If this proves successful, we hope the technology could form the basis of a fully integrated intelligent transport programme in cities around the UK.” BT West Midlands regional director John Dovey said: “This is precisely the kind of innovation we hoped the launch of the BT wireless city network in Birmingham would inspire. “These applications demonstrate the wide-ranging appeal and versatility of the network. “The BT wireless city network is already proving popular with people wanting to log on to the internet and check e-mails while they are out and about. “These exciting innovations show what else is possible and how the concept has captured the imagination of a range of organisations, just as we hoped it would.”
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Last updated:
10:55
