Sydney Ferries Passenger Information System

When the NSW Department of Public Works began the refurbishment of the Sydney Harbour foreshore in preparation for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 they chose Trantek Pty Ltd to supply, install and commission the Sydney Ferries passenger information system for Circular Quay.

This system uses super-bright LED displays to convey passenger information on the Circular Quay Sydney Ferries terminal. Circular Quay, with 5 wharves, is the principal departure and arrival point for the Sydney Ferry commuter network.

Passenger information is derived from a central computer running the main timetable and operator workstation. Services are automatically displayed and announced using digitally stored messages via the integrated Public Address system. Local control points at each wharf also allow the wharf gate-hands to allocate the side of the wharf for arrival and departure, postpone or cancel services and play stored digital announcements over the Public Address system.

An integrated security system provides the central control operators with live video information, as well as voice over IP Public Address to each of the 45 wharves of the Ferries network; from Parramatta in the West to Manly in the East. The system is fully digital and runs on a fibre optic backbone at Circular Quay and via free to air Wireless LAN to the rest of the network. It is the largest government owned spread spectrum network in Australia.

For additional security and convenience, passengers on any of the 45 wharves can use the voice over IP facilities to contact an information service to provide up to date service information and links with other transport nodes or, at the press of a button, be connected to an emergency service operated by a major security organisation.