Train Status Information system will keep VIA passengers up-to-date
Virginia Beach, VA – August 17, 2011 – The GBS Group, an engineering and technical services firm, today announced the award of a software engineering contract with VIA Rail Canada to provide a real-time Train Status Information (TSI) system. The system will optimize GPS, train schedule, and related data to provide accurate forecasts of train departure and arrival times, on-route tracking, dynamic updating of station arrival times, and on-time performance reporting. GBS will produce a customized "smart" system that takes into account service route trends, train position and speed, all integrated with VIA enterprise software systems. The system represents a continuation of VIA Rail's technology investments that improve the overall passenger experience.
Bob Golden, CEO of The GBS Group noted, "We are pleased to have been selected to deliver custom applications to VIA Rail that are license-free, fully open source, and integrated such that VIA has the confidence and control they need in this mission-critical software solution. This contract award continues to demonstrate confidence our clients have for our technology solutions in the rail, maritime, defense, and offshore drilling industries. We are impressed with the technology roadmap VIA Rail is implementing and are pleased to be able to support VIA Rail and their passengers."
The system being developed by GBS will be called TSI Plus and represents a limited run production. It is anticipated a full production TSI Plus will be rolled out across VIA Rail in future phases.
About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada's (www.viarail.ca) mandate is to provide efficient, more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation, in the country's two official languages. Every week VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500 kilometers route network. The demand for VIA services is growing as travellers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, hassle-free and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports. Follow VIA on Twitter at twitter.com/via_rail. Check out VIA's new Facebook page at facebook.com/viarailcanada.
For additional information, please contact: Andrea Bear, VP, Business Development at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 757.965.4274.