Waiting for an airport bus transfer between terminals or Airpark adds stress to an already stressful experience. At Brisbane airport, uncertainty around bus arrivals is now a thing of the past.
This year, Sentrian improved the passenger and staff experience by automating a digital map and signage system for the airport’s buses.
We were approached by Brisbane Airport Corporation to do an Automation as a Service (AaaS) project for the digital signs at the airport’s bus stops. The project would be an exciting opportunity to build an innovative, user-friendly automation that smoothens people’s experience at the airport.
The initial brief was simple: improve the experience of passengers and staff using the buses by providing an accurate, reliable system that shows when buses will arrive. Buses are essential to getting around the airport; they connect the Airpark, terminals, staff parking, and the Direct Factory Outlet (DFO).
Sentrian worked closely with the airport’s parking and transport services (PTS) team on the project.
“Sentrian was accommodating to all our needs. I’ve been in constant touch with James with all the project requirements, which fluctuated. We had a couple of changes, but Sentrian was always good enough to accommodate them. The level of engagement has been very pleasant.”
– Gim Sam, Systems Manager of the PTS Team and Brisbane Airport Corporation
Phase 1 of the project: Digital bus signage
BAC wanted to modernise the bus service so that passengers could access accurate, reliable information about when their bus was arriving.
Together, we implemented digital signs at each bus stop, integrated with each bus’s GPS position. This solution reliably delivers real-time bus arrival information.
We worked with CV Media and Signage for the initial version of the project.
Phase 2 of the project: Live maps and ETAs
The next step was to further enhance the user experience by adding live maps to the signs and improving ETA accuracy using a traffic routing system.
Sentrian engaged the bus provider, then designed and developed a custom app that reads bus GPS positions and updates the map and ETA every 10 seconds.
Outcomes of Brisbane Airport’s automated bus sign system
This automation is improving how people move around Brisbane Airport.
The new digital bus signs and maps:
- Modernise the airport’s transport system
- Reduce uncertainty while waiting for buses
- Provide accurate, real-time arrival information
- Drive a smoother, more reliable commuting experience
- Improve the flow of movement across the airport, helping passengers make flights and staff reach shifts on time.
“We’re very happy with the system that Sentrian has created for us. They have been very accommodating and engaged. I have only positives to say.”
– Gim Sam, Systems Manager of the PTS Team and Brisbane Airport Corporation
Automation as a Service (AaaS) and ongoing support
Automation as a Service doesn’t stop once the automation is built and deployed.
For Brisbane Airport, we:
- designed and developed a custom app
- host and provide operation of the app
- provide ongoing management and support for the system
- coordinated with third-party partners, including the bus provider and CV Media and Signage.
Next time you’re travelling through Brisbane Airport, keep an eye out for the bus signs in action. We’re proud to help keep Brisbane connected.
Automation as a Service for your company
We support organisations looking to improve operations and user experience.
Automation can help your business:
- streamline processes
- improve user experiences
- save time, cost, and resources
- increase efficiency and profitability.
Talk to Sentrian about Automation as a Service. Our team delivers outcomes-focused automation, including design, development, hosting, management, and ongoing support.
