Testing AVM tools on Public Transport

Summary

The purpose of this measure is to test the technical and operational viability of a light Automatic Vehicle Monitoring (AVM) system, complete with an innovative module for the management of public transport’s procedures and performances and the provision of real-time information services and data collection.

The experimental implementation of this tool is in line with the general objective of improving public transport efficiency and attractiveness for the benefit of residents and tourists alike.

Implementing sustainable mobility

To have a reliable and affordable service is key to a high-quality public transport, and to ensure this reliability, a complete collection of data and careful monitoring of the service is necessary.

Usually, an AVM (Automatic Vehicle Monitoring) system is a tool widely used by transport companies both to remotely control fleets and to provide users with information about the time of bus arrival via a specific app or information panels.

For small PT fleets such as summer services or school buses, a ‘lighter’ system - nonetheless reliable and efficient - that manages to control the scheduled service and give users real-time information on the bus position is cheaper and faster to apply and get to grips with. Such is the case of the CELSO System, developed by the technical partner in MemEx, the technical partner in Elba.

The CELSO System and the related app were positively tested on the free PT services activated by Rio (“Marebus” shuttle) and Portoferraio (“Chicchero” mini-ferry and other urban shuttles) in 2018 and 2019.

Innovative aspects

The innovative characteristics of this measure were the use of a low-cost ‘light’ localization system (AVL) as main component of the CELSO System, as an alternative to more complex AVM tools used for large urban PT fleets. Secondly, the easy installation and use of the App, by both PT operators and municipal technicians, is particularly noteworthy.

Connection to other measures

Improving local public transport also needed to be done in connection with other measures, such as:

• a strict relation with the Elba SUMP that highlights the importance of enhancing PT efficiency by adopting new mobility patterns during the tourist season;
• the introduction of a tourist seasonal one-day or six-day ticket called “Elba Card”;
• the introduction of service to enable the purchase of travel tickets via SMS;
• the introduction of additional PT services during the peak tourist season.

More info

For more info, please visit the local website  https://www.elbasharing.com/?s=celso

Or visit the website of the technical partner MemEx: http://www.memexitaly.it/celso/

Outcomes

Improvement of PT services
The CELSO app proved to be reliable in providing users with real-time information on PT services. This resulted in an enhancement of the attractiveness of public transport.

Simple and efficient implementation
The AVM tool was simple and easy to understand and use. It also successfully confirmed to the municipalities the service’s functioning and performance.

User satisfaction
The users were satisfied by the innovative info-mobility service that allowed them to know the exact position of each PT shuttle and its arrival/departure time.