Bremerhaven is currently using 21 information terminals in and around the city centre to provide up-to-date information to customers about tourist attractions – these are a result of the SEAPORT INTERREG IIIB-Project. Bremerhaven wants to expand the range of information about the city and region that is provided on these terminals to provide tailored information to a range of customer (target) groups – e.g. young people, the elderly, businessmen, visitors/tourists, etc.. These terminals currently provide information via display screens.
As mobile phones have developed it is now possible to use phones for other purposes besides making phone calls – they offer new ways to communicate and provide information e.g. data transmission via Bluetooth, which is free to use and which is now integrated in most mobile phones. Bremerhaven will implement Bluetooth hotspots at several locations to test and analyse user acceptance.
Bremerhaven is also involved in a Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) funded project called the “European Bus System of the Future”. The city will work with Bremerhaven Bus and the Bremerhaven Tourist Board to build a comprehensive information service for passengers, citizens, tourists, etc. through a new information service infrastructure. This service will be developed as an on-vehicle information system that will be linked with “service hubs” (remodelled/redesigned bus stops) and the existing information network (info-terminals, static ‘visitors signage system’ etc.). Information will be exchanged between bus stops and passing buses via WLAN: this system will disseminate up-to-date information across the city. Data transfer happens while buses are stopped, but as bus stops are very short only a small volume of data can be exchanged. The pilot will test improved methods of WLAN data transfer at 2 locations.