Passenger Information System for Public Bus Service in Johor

Prof. Ir. Dr. Sharul Kamal Abdul Rahim

A new initiative has been launched in Johor to alleviate the long-standing issue of unpredictable bus arrival times. Passenger Information System Displays (PIDS) have been installed at selected bus stops in Kulai, Senai and Larkin Sentral, providing real-time bus arrival information to passengers. This pilot project, which began in Jun 2022, aims to transform the waiting experience for commuters.

The project is led by Prof Sharul Kamal Abdul Rahim, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in collaboration with the technical lead Dr. Keoh Sye Loong from the University of Glasgow Singapore. The team envisioned a system that could provide timely bus arrival information to commuters in Johor, like many other developed countries. Together with other research institutions including Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Tuanku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Universitas Brawijaya (UB) and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), the research consortium applied for research funding support from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ICT Virtual Organisation (IVO) Japan and worked with Pengangkutan Awam Johor (PAJ), Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu), Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB), and Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) to design and develop an Internet-of-Things (IoT) fleet tracking system for public buses in Johor, Malaysia without using Global Positioning System (GPS).

Given the challenge of accessing real-time GPS data from bus operators back then, the team employed an alternative solution using Raspberry Pi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to perform fleet tracking. BLE beacons are installed on buses, and Raspberry Pi are placed at bus stops to detect the proximity of buses. Data collected from these sensors were collected and then trained using artificial intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning to predict bus arrival times with an average error margin of just two minutes.

Currently, the PIDS are operational at specific locations, including the Larkin Sentral terminal in Johor Bahru and selected stops in Kulai and Senai. The pilot covers routes such as P411 (Kulai to Larkin), P211 (Skudai University Town to Larkin), and myBAS routes T30 and T31 operated by Causeway Link.

To address the issue of powering the sensors, especially at bus stops without direct electricity access, the team collaborated with the Municipal Councils to draw power from nearby streetlights. This innovative approach ensures the sensors operate continuously, providing uninterrupted service to commuters.

This initiative marks a significant step towards modernising public transportation in Johor, aiming to enhance commuter experience and reduce the uncertainty associated with bus travel.