In our increasingly interconnected world, technological innovations have allowed transit systems to thrive and grow even stronger. But, as more people gravitate towards using transit systems, how can we keep up with demand and make sure that service remains high?
Perhaps the greatest tool in the quest to keep networks running at their best is the implementation of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).
Providing access to a much greater array of real-time data than ever before, ITS enables operators to maintain a more accurate overview of their network.
Through key features, including real-time vehicle monitoring, passenger information updates and enhanced communication, the system offers transit agencies many ways to improve their efficiency.
Real-time vehicle monitoring
Knowing exactly where every vehicle in your fleet is at any given time is crucial if you want to offer the most effective service possible.
Once each vehicle is fitted with an onboard tracking device, it can feed positional data back to ITS and your operators. This means that they will always have an accurate overview of the locations of the entire fleet and can monitor the state of any given vehicle.
With access to this data, operators can quickly identify any potential issues within the network and see any possible delays as they occur in real-time. The control center can take advantage of this information to reroute vehicles to adjust for issues, reducing the risk of downtime and cascading delays.
Comprehensive data insights
Aside from the real-time benefits of all the data ITS handles, it can feed into important analyses of the overall network performance.
With accurate information consolidated by the ITS platform, it is simple to pull it together and evaluate the data against key performance indicators. This lets you track critical metrics, including wait times and schedule adherence across your entire fleet.
All together, this allows you to identify any weak points within the network quickly, rather than having issues going unnoticed thanks to limited data collection and slow analysis.
Knowing exactly where things are going right and where they’re going wrong offers you the chance to apply these learnings across the entire network, bringing everything up to the same standards.
Communication
Streamlining communication is another area where ITS can offer improved efficiency. Utilizing Computer-Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) helps operators to manage their fleets far more effectively.
With the ability to track vehicles and easily assign drivers in real time, the command center can maintain full oversight, without having to rely on anything outside of the ITS platform. And when drivers need to communicate with their dispatchers this is also handled through the system, simplifying the process and removing any potential uncertainties.
Thanks to its real-time information ITS can also increase communication efficiency with passengers. With updates pushed to on-site boards, the transit system’s website and the dedicated app simultaneously, the risk of riders being left out of the loop is removed.
All in all, not only does ITS improve efficiency in communication, it makes things smoother and more pleasant for operators, drivers and riders.
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When it comes to improving efficiency within your transit network the tools provided by a comprehensive ITS can’t be overlooked. By taking advantage of the technology on offer, you could see some major improvements across your network.
Increasing efficiency within your operations improves the experience for your passengers and staff alike. How far could you revolutionize the performance of your transit network with the help of ITS?
