Skip to main content

SmartStation group reveal the importance of intelligent stops

A SmartStation research and design project has worked with PTV Group and Raumobil to develop ideas on how to turn analogue stops into digital hubs, in Karlsruhe. The scheme, commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, set out to reveal the importance of networked stations for multimodal mobility. The initiatives 18-month research phase identified that intelligent stops that include analogue facilities such as information terminals, escalators, elevators and lockers need to
March 13, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

A SmartStation research and design project has worked with %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 link-external PTV Group PTV Group website link false https://www.ptvgroup.com/en/ false false%> and Raumobil to develop ideas on how to turn analogue stops into digital hubs, in Karlsruhe. The scheme, commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, set out to reveal the importance of networked stations for multimodal mobility.

The initiatives 18-month research phase identified that intelligent stops that include analogue facilities such as information terminals, escalators, elevators and lockers need to be turned into systems that can communicate.

Annette Kindl, project manager for PTV’s research team, said: “All relevant data will be integrated into the Smartstation network in real time via a standard protocol. Travellers can use an app to log into the so-called Infosphere, i.e. the immediate environment of a smartStation, in order to access the desired information and services. All modes of transport can thus be used intelligently and comfortably as well as energy-efficiently and cost-effectively.”

A smart station, according to Christian Reuter, project manager at PTV Transport Consult, integrates infrastructure and all kinds of services, which includes information on elevator problems or safe places for children to stay in the event of disruptions in local transport.

The group recognised that challenges surrounding different standards, platforms and digital services need to be interconnected and that stakeholders from different areas need to be involved in the process.

“Given the ongoing digitisation in the field of urban mobility, the smartStation is only the next logical step. In the course of the research project, we have made initial assessments and started the discourse on digitisation of stops/stations. Now it is time to continue the dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, to turn the idea into a conceptual design and to encourage the launch of pilot projects”, Kindl added.

Related Content

  • Detroit introduces unified bus payment system
    August 15, 2019
    Detroit authorities have launched a ticketing scheme to encourage bus ridership – a new venture which dovetails with existing initiatives to improve mobility, Ben Spencer reports The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDoT) has partnered with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) to launch a unified payment system – called Dart - for the US region’s buses. Detroit’s mayor Mike Duggan says: “Dart will bring our two systems closer together with seamless transfers and more f
  • ITF study: shared mobility can cut congestion and CO2 emissions
    October 12, 2017
    A new ITF mobility study in Helsinki confirms that a combination of 6-seater shared taxis and taxi buses can carry out all of today’s car journeys in the city area with just 4% of the current number of privately owned vehicles. These shared mobility platforms also mean fewer changes, less waiting and shorter travel times compared to traditional public transport. In addition, the results confirm improved access to jobs and public services, most notably for citizens in areas with few such offers.
  • GenKey buys Ghana’s digital health records specialist ClaimSync
    October 29, 2013
    Biometric ID management solution specialist GenKey has bought Ghanaian software provider ClaimSync. The move gives the Dutch firm a stronger foothold in Africa’s burgeoning digital health market, with ClaimSync offering hospitals and insurers a next generation platform for digitising and processing medical records and claims. “We will be able to combine GenKey’s biometric ID management and unique biometric claim validation solution with ClaimSync’s electronic medical claim handling system”, says Mich
  • Panasonic demonstrates evolution of vehicle On-Board Units in Vienna
    October 24, 2012
    Panasonic is showcasing the evolution of vehicle On-Board Units (OBU) which combine electronic toll collection with provision of real-time travel information to drivers. The first generation of DSRC-based OBUs launched to market in Japan back in 2001, where around 40 million are now in use. The technology is especially relevant in Panasonic’s home country, as all motorways are private and congestion is a common problem. Value-added services such as local parking information can also be accessed.