Is APC just about people counting?

Frankly speaking, the efficiency of public transportation in a city or country is a key indicator of its economic vitality and global competitiveness. With the rise of the concept of Smart Mobility in recent years, there are growing expectations for urban transportation systems to offer greater convenience, efficiency, and safety.

In our previous article on automatic passenger counting systems, we provided an overview of AI-based bus passenger counters. Today, we will delve deeper into the transformative impact that AI-powered solutions are poised to have on urban public transportation, and how they will reshape our daily commuting experiences.

Data-Driven Solutions

Ultravision is committed to creating a safer and more efficient urban public transportation system. By leveraging AI-powered video telematics technology, we are able to respond effectively to the dynamic and evolving demands of urban passenger transport. Based on our extensive project experience, we recognize the critical importance of passenger flow data. Only by fully understanding passenger behavior and needs can we enable more informed and effective transportation planning.

More Than Just Counting

The Ultravision Public Transit Solution offers a comprehensive system integration that provides critical data to better understand passenger needs. This solution generates detailed reports over a specified period, enabling transit operators to optimize routes, respond promptly to safety incidents, and strategically plan for future services. The report includes essential information such as:

● Passenger Flow Statistics: Overview of passengers by route, vehicle, trip, and station.

● Vehicle Location and Status: Real-time tracking of vehicle locations, speed, fuel consumption, engine health, and odometer data.

● Vehicle Video Monitoring: Visual surveillance from onboard cameras.

● Vehicle Alarms: Alerts from various systems, includingADAS, DMS, BSD, GSM, and SOS alarms.

This data-driven approach empowers transit authorities to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and long-term planning.

Ultravision KN Series AI MDVR

The latest Ultravision KN Series AI MDVR is equipped with advanced active safety algorithms, including APC, DMS, ADAS, BSD, and FR. It supports key functionalities such as:

● 8-channel HD video recording

● GPS tracking

● 4G/Wi-Fi communication

● Two-way voice intercom

● Emergency alarm

Additionally, the device offers a range of communication and I/O ports for flexibility and expansion, including: 2 x RS232, 1 x RS485, 8 x I/O inputs & 2 x I/O outputs. This allows for seamless integration with additional components like OBD, fuel level sensors, station announcers, advertising screens, and more.

Innovative Applications

Built on the robust hardware foundation of Ultravision AI MDVR, software developers have the opportunity to create innovative applications that address passenger travel needs, fleet management challenges, transportation planning, and regulatory requirements.

Hardware topology diagram

Imagine being a passenger: each morning, you can easily input your boarding and alighting points into your mobile phone. You'll instantly know the current location of the bus you're about to take, the estimated arrival time at the nearest station, and whether the bus is crowded. You can even see how many passengers will be getting on or off at the upcoming stops. This level of insight allows you to plan your journey with confidence, choosing the most comfortable and convenient option.

For transportation management departments, accurately assessing the capacity and performance of bus routes is now achievable. They can optimize routes that are frequently overcrowded or delayed, and in the event of an emergency, they can instantly assess the situation on board and take appropriate actions, such as initiating evacuations.

Fleet operators also stand to gain significant benefits:

● Real-time insights into vehicle locations and passenger counts, enabling timely deployment of additional capacity to stations with high demand or adjustments to departure intervals, thus reducing the risk of empty vehicles and optimizing operational efficiency.

● Economic evaluation of each station, allowing operators to better plan routes and stations, reducing fuel consumption and operational costs.

● Reduced safety risks and lower insurance costs by minimizing blind spots and improving overall safety.

● Fewer fraudulent claims and incidents such as theft, vandalism, overloading, ticket evasion, and fare skipping.

● Enhanced revenue potential, as passenger flow data can provide valuable insights for advertisers, boosting additional income for operators.

● Improved driver behavior through DMS (Driver Monitoring Systems), with video footage serving as valuable training material for enhancing driving skills and safety awareness.

For hardware providers, the development of innovative software applications will drive the demand for hardware solutions that better meet customer needs. This will, in turn, promote the optimization of product offerings, enhance functionality, and create opportunities for technological advancement. By launching these innovative products, hardware providers can transform the public transportation experience, contributing to the creation of a safer, more efficient, and smarter urban transportation system.

Future and Challenges

Looking ahead, hardware technology will continue to evolve towards greater integration and deeper artificial intelligence, leading to more intelligent and interconnected public transportation systems. Public transport tools will no longer operate in isolation; instead, urban transportation networks will be designed to meet the specific needs of passengers, significantly enhancing the efficiency, safety, and reliability of transportation operations.

However, this progress also presents new challenges, particularly in terms of ensuring data security and safeguarding user privacy. Addressing these challenges will require increased collaboration and information sharing among key stakeholders in the transportation industry, including government agencies, operators, software developers, and hardware manufacturers. By working together, we can leverage the power of emerging technologies to create a more convenient, safer, and sustainable urban public transportation system for all.

For more information on Ultravision’s public transportation solutions, please visit: Ultravision public transit solution

Written by Henry Chia on November 12, 2024.