Ericsson to demonstrate how mobile network data can optimise public transport

Ericsson is all set to demonstrate its technology that could enhance the efficiency, safety and environmental performance of the transport sector at the ITS World Congress, in Bordeaux, France which will be held from October 5 - 9, 2015.

Among the Ericsson exhibits on display will be the automated networked transport, a new concept from Ericsson Research that demonstrates how mobile network data can optimise public transport. Apart from this technology the other demonstrations will include connected bus stop, connected traffic cloud, connected vehicle cloud and mobility as a service.

According to the company, the system that is used by transport operators currently to plan bus schedules is inflexible and relies on limited data sample. Despite this the transport schedules remain unchanged for relatively long periods of time. As a result, buses make the same scheduled stops in the same order - regardless of whether anyone is waiting at the stops or not.

A problem arises when large events are planned and public transport networks are overwhelmed by commuters converging on one spot. Both problems can be addressed using Automated Networked Transport, states Ericsson.

Automated Networked Transport uses telecom network data to analyse the movements of people in cities and to learn where, when, how and why they use the public transport. The concept can be used to create bus schedules based on existing commuter needs - and adjusted dynamically in real time. In the case of major events, transport operators can review commuter movements during previous events of the same type and arrange tailored schedules, claims the company.

Ericsson is of the opinion that the urban population is growing quickly and the solution to ever-increasing public transport is not to increase the number of vehicles but to introduce intelligent transport systems such as Automated Networked Transport. In demonstrating this concept at ITS World Congress, Ericsson will focus on public buses - but Automated Networked Transport could also be applied to other modes of transport.