David Wood wrote in message ...
There's also mention that the telecommunications costs will be low
because only small volumes of data are being moved - yet the example has
the system sending something like four messages. If they're text
messages, there's a cost per message of several pence.

Text messages are way overpriced for data transmitted. 200 bytes a
message, including header (less, as it's compressed), is arround 0.02p
on GPRS. The "countdown system" is a problem though, dunno how dumb
phones would cope with that.

96p for a 34 minute ride? even at full ridership that means you're
only getting £15 an hour - not even enough to pay for the drivers
wages.

How would the system cope with the disability discrimination act?
Space for wheelchairs, extended loading times, etc. Sure, the average
30 yearold can hop on and off pretty fast, but what about a couple of
pensioners?