Kizoom brings transport network maps to life
Collaboration with Centro creates pioneering interactive access to rail network maps
London, 12 November 2009 – Kizoom today formally announces the release of Live Network Map, the latest innovation in passenger information services, transforming virtually any online schematic map into a rich, interactive source of essential travel information.
Developed in collaboration with longstanding customer and pioneering ITA, Centro, Live Network Map was launched to people using the Network West Midlands website earlier this month. Centro was quick to see the value of fully integrating its real-time and static data into the familiar map image used by hundreds of thousands of rail passengers every day. The schematic map was seamlessly integrated with the RTI feed for departures, arrivals and service alterations, and a broad range of other data - all simple to search for and clearly presented through pop-up windows.
Kizoom worked closely with Centro's New Media Designer, Debra Ashington, to create this highly functional, intuitive and easy-to-use interactive service to her detailed specification: "Having taken advantage of the latest technology to provide people with the best passenger information available on the public transport network, the next logical step was to give people the chance to access it from the comfort of their home or office on their computer," said Ashington.
"Simplicity lies at the heart of successful user appeal, and in harnessing Kizoom's expertise in transforming complex data into accessible formats to our in-depth understanding of the needs of Network West Midlands users, we've created a really valuable service for passengers. It has never been easier for people to get up-to-date public transport information, with timetables at every stop and real-time available for more and more bus, rail and Metro services."
The Network West Midlands map includes live rail arrivals, departures and service alterations (NRE feed), links to route timetables, local maps around each station, rail station facilities, fares and zones, parking information and links to a range of other useful sites.
click an image for a bigger version
Now available to UK rail and bus operators and local authorities, Live Network Map is a low cost, fast deployment service which takes a one dimensional image and makes it dynamic. The intuitive interface puts users in control to zoom, drag and click on station or stop names to access in-depth information. Standards-based interfaces are used to connect to existing information systems, enabling integration of as much live or static data as required to deliver a comprehensive service.
"As Centro has shown, turning a familiar travel reference into an interactive, informative experience for passengers is the way forward and one that takes minimal funding and resources", said Tim Johnson, Kizoom product development manager.
"Static network maps will soon be a thing of the past. This transformation is so simple and the end result so useful that we see it as 'must have' for UK bus and rail operators and local authorities."
Live Network Map can be custom branded to ensure a consistent user experience whether accessed via a PC, mobile phone or kiosk.
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For further information and images, please contact:
Hannah Beauchamp
Marketing Assistant
Tel: +44 (0)20 7822 8510
Email:press@kizoom.com
www.kizoom.com