MENTZ Helps Cyclists Cross the Mighty Thames
Cyclists now benefit from a significant improvement to route planning in London: another option to cross the Thames River safely. The new Silvertown Tunnel primarily relieves motorized traffic congestion, but because cycling or walking through the tunnel is not possible, a dedicated shuttle service is necessary to transport cyclists (and their bikes) to the other side. Facilitated by expertise at IT-specialist MENTZ, the new Silvertown Tunnel cycle shuttle was successfully integrated into the Transport for London Journey Planner. This important step, which converted TfL’s complex requirements into a user-friendly solution, was thus able to mind a substantial gap in London’s cycle route network.
The challenge was to seamlessly integrate this new, unscheduled shuttle service into existing digital cycle route planning. MENTZ was able to develop an innovative, GIS-based approach, which was fit for purpose. In contrast to more conventional timetable data processing, this new approach enables the electronic journey planner (EFA) to factor both the shuttle’s current operating times and estimated journey times directly into calculating optimal cycle routes.
The result of this integration is of significant added value for London’s cyclists. The journey planner now offers comprehensive route options – from simple to fastest routes. And if it enables a more efficient or convenient route to cross the Thames, the Silvertown shuttle is automatically suggested as an option. The detailed route guidance clearly displays which sections should be done on bike and when the shuttle should be used. Cyclists are also precisely guided to the shuttle service’s boarding and alighting bays.
The successful and timely implementation of this key feature, which coincides with the launch of the Silvertown shuttle, underscores both the capabilities of MENTZ systems, and our direct, solution-oriented collaboration with Transport for London. It is yet another example of how MENTZ uses innovative technologies to improve public transport, facilitate intermodal mobility, and meet the needs of public transport users. Ongoing cooperation with TfL regarding cycling optimization based on OSM data indicates the potential for even more user-friendly mobility solutions.
