Mobility services via SMS

Summary

This measure consisted in developing/implementing an SMS-based service that provides traffic information to drivers and public transport users. This real-time information service contributes to increased safety and convenience, as well as a reduction of congestion and may later on be upgraded to more advanced services.

Implementing sustainable mobility

As part of its efforts to improve traffic flows, increase safety, reduce congestion and provide better mobility information to citizens, the city of Funchal  developed and installed/provided an SMS and email broadcast system. This service provides alerts and information on traffic (entering the town) as well as public transport (PT). The system is the first of its kind on a regional level. The service is expandable and may support more advanced services in the future, like for e.g., car park availability.

The main objectives of the measure were:

• Provide real-time advanced information to drivers via SMS and email broadcast; and
• Optimise traffic flows, reducing congestion and increasing safety.

Initially, Funchal wanted to provide SMS + email subscription-based services and functionalities related to traffic such as accidents, road closures, road works and congestion. Information on public transport is also available and is widely used. Eventually, the system may integrate information services on tourism, health, safety and security, events and more. This offers an opportunity to expand services to information on parking availability, ticketing, bookings and payment services possibly including billing-on-behalf payments.

Progress

Being a pilot project, this measure was very successful. The technological platform was fully implemented in a way that different sources of data may be connected and different distribution supports may be used (e.g. SMS and email). From the 3 data sources currently included, one is providing public transport operator information and the other two provide real-time information on traffic occurrences in the main highway around Funchal. The objective of integrating and providing traffic information within the city center was unreachable once the expected data source (Funchal's Urban Mobility Control and Monitoring Centre) for such information wasn’t implemented as initially previewed. The broadcast service will continue to operate after MIMOSA is closed and is able to include new data sources when required/available.

Outcomes

The technological platform was fully implemented in a way that different sources of data may be connected and different distribution supports may be used (e.g. SMS and email).

The front-end to send emails and SMSs was implemented and made available for users to register, setup and manage their account.