Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The Real Time Passenger Information system is due for an upgrade.

The current system, known as 'Private Mobile Radio' (PMR) is set to be replaced by the more reliable 'General Packet Radio Service' (GPRS).

There have been various problems going back quite a while. When I sat on a scrutiny committee at the old County Council we were looking for ways to improve the reliability of the system. Recent trials of the new system on the Salisbury to Warminster bus route, showed it to be more reliable and without the signal problems which disrupt the current RTPI displays.

Wiltshire's RTPI was introduced by the Hilperton-based company Action Information Management (AIM) which operated from The Grange. The company was purchased by Trapeze Group UK who now operate from Staverton. The contract runs until 2018.

WC says that costs are likely to be about the same under the new system, and it could increase bus usage if people know the information they're getting is reliable.