A trial is starting in Auckland this week for a new radio broadcasting service is designed to give motorists better travel information while on the move.
A short-range radio service, called 102.2 OnRouteFM, is being trialled in one of the busiest sections of Auckland’s transport network.
The broadcast area covers the Southern Motorway from Takanini to Mt Wellington, State Highway 20, 20B and 20A, as well as arterial roads in south and east Auckland.
The trial, starting March 6, is running for six months from the Auckland Transport operations centre and is a joint initiative between it and the NZ Transport Agency.
The new service will also broadcast messages from NZ Police and Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
Pre-recorded messages can be heard 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Live updates on incidents affecting the transport network will be available during peak commuter times of 6 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday.
“According to customer research, most Auckland drivers don’t check traffic conditions before they start their journey and often rely on sources available on route, which have some limitations,” says Auckland Transport Operations Centre manager Rua Pani.
“Our customers have told us how frustrating it can be to experience unexpected congestion and have little or no information about what’s causing it, or potential alternative routes,” says Pani.
“People also like to know in advance about events, or activities which might impact on the transport network, including public transportation,” he says.
“This trial is testing the concept of a dedicated radio service designed to give motorists detailed and up to date information on things that might impact their current or future journey, especially for those who drive alone and can’t look at their mobile phones,” says Pani.
The information broadcast will include updates on crashes and other incidents along with relevant civil defence emergency or warning messages, advisories about current and future roadworks plus public events that might affect people’s travel plans, along with some public transport information and messages focused on driver behaviour.
“This radio trial is providing drivers with timely and accurate information through a communication channel that doesn’t require them to take their eyes off the road, and that’s a great thing,” says Waitemata Road Policing Manager, Inspector Trevor Beggs.
“It will also provide reminders to drivers and their passengers to make good decisions when they get in the car such as wearing their seatbelts. By making these, we will be able to reduce death and serious injury on our roads.”
To use 102.2 OnRoute FM, NZTA is recommending people who regularly drive in the trial area pre-set the frequency as an option in their vehicle’s radio before they start a journey.
