Skip to main content

Indra to implement smart technology for Ecuador tram system

Indra is to provide the engineering, supply and implementation of tram priority and signage systems, along with access control and ticketing for the new tram system in Cuenca, the third-largest city in Ecuador. The system is currently under construction and is expected to begin operating in June 2016. It will be used by around 120,000 passengers a day, or 39 million a year. The aim is to incorporate the transport mode into the Integrated Mobility System, reduce the current levels of traffic and green
December 10, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
509 Indra is to provide the engineering, supply and implementation of tram priority and signage systems, along with access control and ticketing for the new tram system in Cuenca, the third-largest city in Ecuador.

The system is currently under construction and is expected to begin operating in June 2016. It will be used by around 120,000 passengers a day, or 39 million a year.

The aim is to incorporate the transport mode into the Integrated Mobility System, reduce the current levels of traffic and greenhouse gas emissions and optimise mobility throughout the historic centre, which in 1999 was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, promoting the use of the tram and discouraging private traffic.

The road and tram signposting systems to be implemented by Indra will enable management of mobility in both the areas the tram passes through and other areas that may be affected by it. Indra will upgrade the current technology in the urban traffic control centre in Cuenca and implement new software that will enable the integrated management, control and optimisation of traffic in the area.

In addition, thanks to a traffic-light priority system that will be integrated with the rest of the Cuenca tram subsystems, the signposting will give priority to the tram over private vehicles, ensuring it adheres to its and encouraging citizens to opt for public transport in line with the planning goals of the municipal government.

Indra will also install its latest-generation contactless ticketing system to enhance the service and information provided to passengers and streamline the control, financial management and tracking of resources.

Passengers can top up contactless cards in automatic ticketing machines to be installed at all the 28 stops along the route and validate them in the access control systems. Public assistance and customisation points will be set up in several cities to include the holders' details and photo on the card along with their user profile.

The solution will also include portable sales and inspection equipment, which will allow card top-ups and sales and the inspection of both contactless cards and one-way tickets intended for occasional passengers.

Related Content

  • ITS needs data highways
    November 18, 2014
    Transport and traffic data is on the increase but there must be an integrated data highway to derive the maximum ITS benefits, argues Deutsche Telekom. From public transport operators recording increasingly precise and comprehensive data on their vehicle’s position and driving behaviour to local authorities using RFID and video systems to control traffic on their streets and highways, the amount of traffic data is growing rapidly.
  • ASK to supply 1.3 million Mifare Plus cards for new Panama buses
    March 22, 2012
    France-headquartered ASK, a specialist in mass transit contactless smart cards, has been selected by its client system integrator Sonda to deliver the contactless cards for Panama’s brand new Metrobús network. The central American city is undergoing major modernisation of its public transport system with brand new buses, Metrobús, and a brand new Metro which is currently under construction.
  • Conduent goes with the flow in Venice
    December 28, 2022
    Firm works with Elavon and Visa to provide payments for Azienda Veneziana della Mobilità
  • Integrating traffic systems improves management and control
    April 25, 2012
    Following a successful trial in 2007, VicRoads has adopted Streams Motorway Management from Transmax as its primary traffic management and control system Throughout the world, the avoidable social cost of traffic congestion continues to rise each year with increased motorisation, urbanisation and population growth. Traffic congestion is responsible for an increase in travel times, vehicle operating costs and carbon emissions. In 2007, VicRoads commissioned Streams Motorway Management for the M1 Monash Freew