New BMW drivers are to be the first in the world to benefit from an advanced new traffic information system called ‘Real Time Traffic Information’, or ‘RTTI’, giving them fast and accurate information about the road conditions on their journeys.
The new technology is to be made available on all new models, and is included in the BMW Professional navigation system package at no extra cost. Customers who order this will also be able to access RTTI remotely from any internet-enabled device through their BMW Routes website, to help with journey planning.
BMW has been a pioneer within the automotive industry for many years when it comes to intelligently linking drivers with the outside world, through its ConnectedDrive technology. This world-beating reputation will only be enhanced by the new system.
Previously drivers who used the ConnectedDrive system had to rely on a radio-based system called ‘Traffic Message Channel’ (TMC) for information about traffic disruptions, but this information was not always accurate, and was often not delivered quickly enough to enable drivers to avoid delays. As the name suggest the new RTTI technology will be able to provide precise information in real time, with updates occurring every three minutes. It combines Transport Protocol Expert Group, or TPEG information with the GSM cellular network.
This information is then presented to drivers on the Navigation map, using an easy to read colour-coding system to indicate traffic flow. Road networks are divided into segments as short as 500m prior to rating and colour-coding, to ensure accuracy.
When the destination guidance option is activated, the new system will monitor traffic flow automatically on both the chosen route and alternative routes, so that it can recommend the shortest journey time.
Coverage for the new RTTI technology includes all major road networks and motorways in the UK, as well as pan-European networks to help in the planning of foreign road trips.
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