In brief
The KMB app can show real-time tram arrivals alongside buses: open route search and type "TRAM". IT expert Fong Po-kiu considers such data sharing commendable and suggests the government could make real-time arrival data a condition of franchise renewal.
Mobile apps for many modes of transport currently show only the arrival times of vehicles run by their own franchised operator, each operating in isolation. It turns out that the KMB app hides a real-time tram arrival feature. Although KMB promoted it two years ago, even people born and raised on Hong Kong Island did not know about it. An information technology expert believes that sharing real-time data between the two modes of transport is like the prototype of an integrated smart city transport network, and is worth the government's attention.
The KMB app can show real-time arrival information for both buses and trams at the same time. A member of the public had mentioned it on a bus discussion forum, but few people knew about it then. Central and Western District Councillor Cheung Kai-yan, who was born and raised on Hong Kong Island, said they had never known the app could serve "two purposes in one", and considers it more convenient than opening two apps to check. "In the past, when crossing the harbour, I would first open the KMB app. I have the Tram app installed but rarely use it. Combining the two would be more convenient."
Checking real-time arrival information for both modes of transport at once is simple. Just open the KMB mobile app, tap the route search function, and type the four letters "TRAM" in order. The app will then display the locations of tram stops and nearby bus stops. To check the arrival times for a particular stop, simply tap on it.
Expert says it is worth the government's attention
Fong Po-kiu, Honorary President of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, also tried the feature. He noted that although advertisements pop up while using the app and one has to wait four to five seconds to see the detailed information, a franchised bus company is, after all, not a public body. "Selling advertisements brings in some money. It is a bit of a nuisance, but nowadays you get advertisements when you click into any app."
He said that exchanging real-time arrival data between the two modes of transport is a commendable approach. By contrast, the Transport Department's "HKeMobility" mobile app still only teaches people how to get from point to point, and cannot provide real-time information across all public and private transport networks. "Japan achieved this many years ago. When you travel from the airport to central Tokyo, it tells you everything: which vehicle to take, which platform, and the previous and next departure times for any connecting transport."
Fong Po-kiu heard that some franchised operators are reportedly unwilling to hand over the relevant data. He believes the government could make the provision of real-time arrival data a condition of franchise renewal, to lay the groundwork for a smart city transport network in Hong Kong and truly make travel more convenient for the public.
Original article: https://bit.ly/3fcIuoD