Various transit operators across the world have implemented intelligent transport systems to elevate transit operations and services.
To give you a clearer idea of how this is achieved, this article will take you through what intelligent transportation systems are, what benefits they provide for operators, and how cities across the world have adopted them into various transport operations.
What are intelligent transport systems?
Intelligent transport systems (ITS) apply technology to enhance transit services, in particular by using data and communications to give passengers the information they need at the right time to support their journey, and to enable operators to effectively manage their transport networks.
These advanced systems provide an accurate way of monitoring, analyzing, and controlling various aspects of transport operations, ranging from real-time passenger data to real-time vehicle monitoring.
As well as this, these systems offer crucial insights for vehicle drivers and passengers.
Riders can access live service updates for their journeys, for example, and drivers have reliable two-way communication with control rooms whilst traveling.
How are intelligent transport systems being adopted in cities across the globe?
Various operators in cities across the world have already started to benefit from using ITS.
- Barcelona
According to Intelligent Transport, a leading publication on the urban public transport sector, Barcelona Boasts a large population of over 1.6 million, hence why they need ITS to ensure a smooth management of vehicle congestion.
This includes the introduction of smart parking and traffic systems for improving congestion, as well as a fleet of hybrid buses for cleaner transport.
- Singapore
Intelligent Transport also highlights Singapore’s desire to be a more technologically advanced city, or ‘smart city’, which led them to incorporate ITS.
The city has established various sensors to monitor and track various aspects of vehicle movement – such as parking, traffic and cleanliness.
- Oslo
This capital city in Norway has implemented ITS as a form of traffic control, to help gain an accurate picture of how efficiently traffic is moving at each point in the day – as noted by Intelligent Transport.
The city has introduced smart traffic measures, including special detectors for license plates, that offers real-time data on congestion in areas throughout the city.
- San Francisco
San Francisco has over 800,000 citizens in a city full of hills and steep slopes. As mentioned by Intelligent Transport, this often leads to congestion being one of the city’s big struggles.
This city implemented ITS with smart ticketing and parking, which allowed authorities to adjust parking prices in correlation with available spaces. This helps streamline public transport and allow free movement throughout the city.
- Cambridge
Cambridge possesses the longest guided bus route in the world – according to Vix Technology, a global leader in automated fare collection, transit information, and transit analytics solutions. Naturally, ITS were crucial for helping increase transport efficiency.
In this city, ITS provides real-time passenger information for a variety of buses, through a range of displays. This includes vital transport information for riders, including live service updates, journey routes, etc.
What benefits do ITS provide for operators?
There are many benefits to using ITS in your transit agency, including:
- Full visibility for transportation
ITS can give you full visibility of your transport network e.g. by tracking your fleet of vehicles in real-time, meaning any issues can be quickly identified.
ITS can help you make the necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth inflow of riders. For example, when there are delayed routes, breakdowns, or various other disruptions to a journey.
- Improved passenger experiences
ITS can be used to give riders access to a range of information about their journey, including live service updates. With this data, riders have a more informed basis on which to plan and adapt their journeys, leading to a more satisfying experience.
- Fast and reliable communication
With ITS, drivers can have clear communication with control rooms. This means that any necessary rerouting or changes can be quickly communicated to the drivers, and they can adapt smoothly without interruptions to their journey.
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As ITS are being adopted in various cities across the globe, consider how their vast range of benefits can help your transit agency progress into the future of transport technology.
