A trial starts in Auckland this week for a new radio service to give motorists better travel information while they're on the move.
About the service
The short-range radio service, called 102.2 OnRoute FM, is being trialled in one of the busiest sections of road. 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 (see map above).
The trial, started on Monday 6 March, will run for six months and is a joint initiative from the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport.
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 6am to 7pm, Monday to Friday.
The information broadcast will include:
- Updates on crashes and other incidents
- Advisories about current and future roadworks plus public events
- Public transport information
- Messages focused on driver behaviour
- Relevant civil defence emergency and warning messages
Keeping Aucklanders safe
Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management are actively involved in the radio service trial. Director John Dragicevich says the trial provides another tool for sharing potentially life-saving information with the public.
"To succeed in helping people prepare for and get through any emergencies in Auckland we need to use a wide range of communication channels and with this trial we have an exciting opportunity to add short-range radio to the mix."
Reducing driver frustration
"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 Rua Pani, Manager of the Auckland Transport Operations Centre.
"This trial is testing the concept of a dedicated radio service designed to give motorists on route 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.
"Customers have expressed a strong appetite for this kind of service and it's worked well overseas, so we're really excited to see how people embrace it here."
Using the service
To use 102.2 OnRoute FM pre-set 102.2FM as an option in your vehicle's radio. This way it's easily accessible if you want to listen while on the move in the broadcast zone.
For more information visit the NZ Transport Agency website or the Auckland Transport website.
