Public transport software explained

Public transport software encompasses a range of applications and platforms used bypublic transport agencies and operators to manage and optimize operations, within itstransit networks. This can include route planning, ticketing, real-time tracking, assetmanagement, customer feedback, etc.

History

The need for public transport software emerged with the rise in public transit use and theincreasing complexity of transit networks in the late 20th century. Initially, manual methodswere used for route planning and ticketing. As computing technology evolved, softwaresolutions became crucial to handle the increasing demand and provide more sophisticatedservices to passengers.^{[1] [2]}

Types of public transport software

Route planning and optimization

This type of software aids in mapping out routes, schedules, and timings, ensuring minimaloverlap, maximum coverage, and efficient use of resources. It helps transit agencies toimprove punctuality and reduce operating costs.^[3]

Ticketing and payment systems

Modern ticketing systems have moved beyond traditional paper tickets. With the advent ofsmartcards, mobile apps, and contactless payments, software platforms now handlecomplex fare calculations, payment processing, and revenue management.^{[4] [5]}

Real-time tracking and monitoring

With the help of GPS and other tracking technologies, these platforms provide real-timeupdates on vehicle locations, delays, and expected arrival times.^[6] They also offer vital data to transport agencies and can be accessed bypassengers through various means, including mobile apps and electronic displayboards.

Maintenance and asset management

These platforms are used for monitoring the condition of vehicles and infrastructure,scheduling regular maintenance, and ensuring the longevity and safety of transitassets.^[7]

Customer service and engagement

Modern public transport relies on customer feedback and engagement forimprovements.^[8] Software solutions can gather and analyze feedback, managecomplaints, and provide passengers with timely updates and notifications.

See also

• Intelligent transportation system
• Smart city
• Mobilities

Notes and References

1. Katona . Geza . Juhasz. Janos . 2020-01-02 . The History of the Transport System Development and Future with Sharing and Autonomous Systems. Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina . 22 . 1. 25–34 . 10.26552/com.C.2020.1.25-34. 213288680 . free .
2. Gajewska. Teresa . Walczyk . Dominika . 2023-08-07 . Development of Transport Management Software . Sustainability . en . 15 . 15 . 12083. 10.3390/su151512083 . 2071-1050 . free .
3. Book: Foth . Marcus. Schroeter . Ronald . Proceedings of the 14th International Academic MindTrek Conference: Envisioning Future Media Environments. Enhancing the experience of public transport users with urban screens and mobile applications. 2010-10-06 . https://eprints.qut.edu.au/33160/1/MindTrek2010-Foth-33.pdf . MindTrek '10 . New York, NY, USA . Association for Computing Machinery. 33–40 . 10.1145/1930488.1930496 . 978-1-4503-0011-7. 12218853.
4. Book: European Commission. Joint Research Centre. . Public transport research and innovation in Europe: an assessment based on the Transport Research and Innovation Monitoring and Information System (TRIMIS). . 2022 . Publications Office . LU. 10.2760/18036. 9789276530671 .
5. Book: Rawdah . Rawdah . Ali. Syed Shafin . 2021 2nd International Conference on Robotics, Electrical and Signal Processing Techniques (ICREST) . Proposing a Real-Time Ticket Monitoring System for Public Transport in NSW, Australia . 2021-01-05 . https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9331127. IEEE . 221–224 . 10.1109/ICREST51555.2021.9331127. 978-1-6654-1574-3. 231823758 .
6. Book: International Conference on Computational Biology 2012, International Conference on Chemical Engineering 2012, International Conference on Circuits and Systems 2012, International Conference on Communications Systems and Technologies 2012, International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Applications 2012, International Conference on in Modeling Health Advances 2012, International Conference on Modeling, Simulation and Control 2012, International Conference on Systems Engineering and Engineering Management 2012 . 2012 . IAENG, International Association of Engineers. 978-988-19252-4-4 . Ao . S. I. . World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science, WCECS 2012, San Francisco, USA, 24 - 26 October, 2012 / Eds.: S. I. Ao . Hong Kong . International Association of Engineers.
7. Book: April . Alain . Software maintenance management: evaluation and continuous improvement . Abran . Alain . 2008. Wiley . 978-0-470-14707-8 . Hoboken, NJ.
8. Kampf . Rudolf . Ližbetinová . Lenka. Tišlerová . Kamila . 2017-03-20 . Management of Customer Service in Terms of Logistics Information Systems. Open Engineering . 7 . 1 . 26–30 . 10.1515/eng-2017-0006. 2017OEng....7....6K . 113472550 . 2391-5439. free .