Module -3

Public transportation applications, ITS and regional strategic transportation

planning, including regional architectures.
ITS for Public Transport System

INTRODUCTION
The public transport system is a lifeline of any sustainable city. A well-organised and integrated public
transport system is essential for a sustainable city. The development of a well-organised, integrated and
efficient public transport system requires huge capital investment. The heavy capital cost coupled with
expensive operation and maintenance of public transport systems, makes it quite challenging for public
transport operator to remain financially viable without the support of public authority. A reasonable level of
ridership of public transport is fundamental to financial sustainability of a public transport system for which
the public transport system shall be attractive to the users and efficient in operation and maintenance. The
adoption of ITS tools to manage public transport can be very useful in meeting above objectives.
Some of the general issues involved with public transport services, where ITS can help, are:
a) Not adhering speed limits
b) Not following bus lanes or not standing at bus stops bays
c) Not stopping at bus stops
d) Not completing trips
e) Not following the route and timetable
f) Overcrowding
g) Coin change problem
The above issues are pretty much related at bus and at driver level. At management level, the calculation of
the performance index of public transport system (like vehicle utilisation, fuel consumption per vehicle per
kilometre, etc.) at aggregate level are also areas of interest.

Use of GPS System

The GPS system can be used for tracking and monitoring of public transport vehicles. This system provides
a real-time data on tracking individual vehicles. Through this technique movement of each bus, details of
trip length, trip time, time spent at bus stop, change in route, complete movement of the bus on a route for
every minute, crisis circumstances, log of total trips, etc. are recorded. This strategy additionally helps in
creating passenger information system at every bus stop. Through control room, one can watch, coordinate
and speak with every bus of this system. This is valuable in order to handle emergencies also.
GPS system can also help in controlling the eve teasing or pick pocketing as when any incident happens
then driver can essentially press one button and control room may make prompt move by advising the police
control room or PCR vans about the incident along definite area of bus. This again will help in controlling
law and order problem.
In this system, every bus is equipped with GPS and all these buses are connected with a server in the control
room. The principle server records the movement of all buses. According to the assessment from continued
monitoring of buses, the control room can take fundamental activities in case of any deviation or
infringement. Further, the control room can transmit the message to checking staff in the field to take
fundamental action at the spot against those buses which violate the traffic rule (speed limit), etc. In the
event of this, passenger information system is provided at bus stops, the expected arrival of bus at that
specific bus stop will likewise be communicated. This certainly helps in improving the reliability of public
transport system and trust of people in the system.
This technique in India must be effective if condition of our control room is developed and this control room
is controlled by top of the line experts. Through this system one can have speed details, halted details, route
diversion or deficient route can be assembled. It is helpful to check the speed and to see that bus stops at bus
stops or not. Hence, this technique can be utilised for checking the speed, issues concern to not stopping or
waiting at bus stops, not completing the trips, not following the route and not adhering to timetable. The
system also provides the traveller information at every stop which is very common in developed countries.
From management point of view, the system gives complete details for vehicle utilisation, fuel consumption
kilometre wise, passenger wise, depot level, route level and the details of every bus.
Automatic Passenger Counter (APC)
The automatic passenger counter is the technology which is used to record the number of travellers using the
public transport with time and the location of every stop as passengers get on and off transport. The
technology can collect the information records physically or with a hand-held device, with a reduction in
time, cost, and effort. The infrared bars at the doors or weight delicate mats on the steps can also be used as
APC which correctly records the time, region, and the number of travellers as they enter or leave the vehicle.
With the information provided by the APCs, the public transport operator can improve the plans that better
serve the transportation needs of the commuters.

Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) Systems
Automatic vehicle location (AVL) technology is used to track the location of transit vehicles in real-time
through the use of GPS devices or other location-monitoring methods.
Automatic vehicle identification (AVI) is basically an identification technique used for moving objects such
as vehicles. This is usually accomplished with the help of radio frequency identification (RFID) as the object
passes a RFID reader.
Information about the vehicle location is communicated to control centre in either raw data format or as
processed data.
There are several benefits associated with this technology, which can be used in BRT vehicles:
a) This system improves the control to ensure efficient operations.
b) This system can be calibrated to distribute service times and covers the signal priority and control
centre.
c) This technology improves the bus safety in an emergency condition by showing the vehicle location.
d) This also improves quality of service by notifying the location of next bus and expected arrival time.
e) This improves the system integration by providing the better bus scheduling and knowing the
location of each vehicles.
f) It also reduces need of voice communications.

Traffic Signal Priority (TSP)

Traffic signal priority is a technique that accords priority to public transport at signalled intersections by
keeping a traffic light green or turning it green earlier to facilitate the movement of vehicle without stopping
at the intersection. Conventionally signal priority was only implemented for emergency vehicles, but now is
being used for public transport as a measure to encourage people to use public transport.
The TSP system is combined with AVL technology, which allows the system to provide priority only when
needed (i.e., when a public transport vehicle is running behind schedule). The signal priority system keeps
transit vehicles on schedule and improves on-time performance. As a result, the reliability of the public
transport improves and fewer vehicles are necessary for a route which results into a large savings for a
transit agency.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A geographic information system (GIS) is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage,
and present spatial or geographical data. It is widely used in transportation planning agencies, especially
among metropolitan transportation organisations. A geographic information system (GIS) technology
facilitates the public transport operator to assemble, store, examine and show information by geographic
location. With GIS programming, a spatial analysis of data is possible which can be helpful in identifying
the areas of economic activities where demand of transportation is high. Travel coordinators further can use
the information given by GIS to alter, enhance, or include new administrations.
Real-Time Passenger Information (RTPI)
RTPI is a public information system which provides real-time passenger information regarding public
transport system. RTPI may include both estimated arrival and departure times as well, as information about
the nature and causes of disruptions. This technology provides information related to the status of transit
service to the passengers including information needed before making a trip, during the trip
and at the termination of a trip on real-time basis. The information may be communicated to the users
physically within a transportation hub and remotely using a Web browser or mobile device. The AVL or
GPS technologies may be used to generate necessary data to provide real-time information. RTPI improves
the overall experience of the public transport and promotes the use of public transport.
Fare Collection
Fare collection is the way in which travellers pay their fares, either on the bus or at the station or ahead of
time. The use of magnetic strip or RFID based electronic fare collection has changed the way fares are
collected in a public transport system. The RFID based smart cards are increasingly in use as integrated fare
media applicable across all modes of public transport systems in a city.
Lane Control Technologies
This technology is used for dedicating a lane for public transport (bus usually) for short of time. Intermittent
bus lane can also be called a moving bus lane. This concept consists of using a general-purpose lane that can
be changed to a bus-only lane just for the duration of time needed for the bus to pass. Afterward, the lane
reverts back to a general-purpose lane until another approaching bus needs the lane for its movement. By
using this technology speeds and reliability are improved and bus can move independently from the general
traffic. Moving bus lane does not require expensive capital cost because it uses the existing roadway
infrastructure and takes time to move separately from general traffic. This allows the bus lane to be used for
general traffic majority of time. It has low implementation costs and uses well-known, widely
used and proven traffic signal management technologies and products.
Passenger Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi technology facilitates customers to connect the Internet using mobile devices, such as laptops, cell
phones, smart watches, etc. The public access to Wi-Fi is provided through hotspots either free of charge or
for a fee (pay-per-use or subscriptions models are possible). These wireless hotspots can be set up both on-
board transit vehicles and at stations. At stations, wireless service can be provided with off-the shelf routers
and modems (cable or DSL). For on-board Wi-Fi, two options exist: installing routers on each vehicle
connected to satellite networks, or creating a continuous wireless mesh along the corridor through a number
of overlapping fixed access points. Wireless Internet provision is not an essential transit component;
however, it offers a high-quality customer amenity. One of the many potential benefits to
customers is an increased utility of transit as it can allow people to make use of their time in transit for
entertainment or work, which could have the effect of decreasing their perceived transit travel times. This is
especially important for customers with long journeys. Moreover, the availability of Wi-Fi can improves
customer perception about the public transport services and generates a feeling of "premium" levels of
service. This may increase the attractiveness of transit to non-traditional market segments.

Surveillance/CCTV/Security Systems
Security systems in public transport include both surveillance CCTV and alarms, both of which can be
located on-board vehicles as well as off-board at stations or along guide ways. Surveillance devices
primarily consist of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, generally equipped with microphones. The
CCTV network facilitates the control centre to remotely monitor vehicles, stations and guide ways. This
system gives the advantage of improvement in emergency reaction to both the operator and public. Cameras
and microphones can allow central control to continuously monitor and assess the installed and off-board
circumstance to decide suitable help by transit security, law authorisation or different types of emergency
response (i.e., medical aid, Hazmat, terror threat).

Request-Centric Wireless Bus Information Management System

A distributed bus information management system is used to manage the bus operations on real-time basis as
per the information provided by the on-board passengers, passengers waiting at the bus stops, and
occupancy of the bus. The system integrates passenger requests and manages information exchange between
a bus and a bus-stop. On the basis of bus management signals, the bus-stop management subsystem obtains
the information about the bus route identification, the number of accommodation available (based on
occupancy and carrying capacity), need to stop or not, etc.
The following steps are involved in the process:
a) The passengers waiting at the bus-stop enter the desired route/destination information to the bus-stop
via wireless option such as GPRS, WiFi, etc.
b) The bus-stop transmits the requested information to the bus.
c) The on-board passengers in the bus enter stop requests or transfer information to the bus.
d) The decision of stopping at the bus-stop is made by the bus-stop management system on the basis of
the stop request and availability of the accommodation in the bus. If there is no request to stop the
bus or bus is full (as per carrying capacity including seating and standing), the bus management
system shall decide not to stop the bus at that bus-stop and transmits Non-stop passing signal to
 the bus-stop. However, if there is any request to stop the bus at the bus-stop, the stopping signal is
transmitted to the bus-stop.
e) The updated transfer information is transmitted to the passengers waiting at the bus-stop by the bus-
stop management system.
f) The bus-stop transmits the updated transfer information to the bus.
g) The bus transmits the updated transfer information to the on-board passengers in the bus.
There is bi-direction communication between bus and the bus-stop. Through bi-direction communication,
the bus management subsystem can determine whether the bus stop management signals should be
processed. On the basis of the signal system, control system and communication system, a bus-stop and a
bus work as a group to dynamically perform request analysis and service control. Therefore, passengers on
the bus or waiting at the bus-stop can obtain sufficient information to flexibly schedule their travel plan.

ITS OPERATIONS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The three major implications of ITS integration with public transport are:
a) Fleet operation and management
b) Passengers information
c) Electronic fare collection

Fleet Management and Operations

The fleet management provides the fleet manager a complete overview of all public transport vehicles. A
fleet management system records performance parameters defined by the fleet manager with the help of ITS
technology. Fleet management and operation includes five different technologies, as follows:
(i) Automatic passenger counters (APC),
(ii) Automatic vehicle location (AVL),
(iii) Geographic information systems (GIS),
(iv) Scheduling and dispatching (S&D),
(v) Transit signal priority (TSP) and lane control signals (LCS).
These separate technologies are often integrated in various software packages, which allow for the
integration of many different transit functions. The computer applications improve the resource utilisation to
meet service demands, which help in making public transportation more attractive to customers.
Use of APC for fleet management
The APC automatically keeps a log of the number of passengers, time and location of each stop as
passengers get on and off the bus. This technology also records on-board transit vehicles, boarding’s and
alighting at each stop and a keeping a running total of passengers on-board the vehicle. The APC units
include sensors (typically infrared) at door of the vehicle to monitor traveller movements on and off a
vehicle. An APC system prepares a digital record at every bus stop, typically including stop location, stop
date and time, time of entryway opening and closing, and number of travellers boarding and alighting. APC
information can be downloaded manually through a portable PC or wireless data via a local area network, on
real-time basis. The key benefit of an APC system is its ability to provide ridership data along the transit
network with time of the day. This data can be constructively used for effective planning and scheduling of
public transport as per the demand. The manual ridership surveys historically has been labour extensive and
has provided only a snapshot of ridership conditions to transit agencies, given that only a sampling of bus
routes generally can be surveyed. The APC has drastically improved the reliability of the data collected
which is being used to effectively manage the precious fleet of public transport
 Automatic passenger counters for fleet management

AVL For fleet management

Automatic vehicle location system is useful for monitoring and tracking of vehicles on real-time basis which
can be used to enhance operational efficiency and utilisation of the fleet. Satellite based geo-positioning
technology is one of the most common AVL systems. With AVL, the controllers or dispatchers in the
control centre can find out at any given time, the location of buses in their fleet that are equipped with the
technology.
Access to this type of information, can be especially important in an emergency situation, when either
passenger or driver safety may be threatened. In addition, bus location information can be shared with the
customers to assist them in planning an itinerary based on real-time information. Moreover, this information
can be used to assess the running of the buses whether they are following the schedule and if necessary,
busses can be diverted to avoid the problem areas. Many transit agencies have found that AVL has been
improving their punctuality performance while at the same time it has been reducing the fleet size. For
example, through the use of AVL in Kansas City, the transit system was able to reduce the number of buses
needed for its routes by 9%.

Geographic information systems for fleet management

A geographic information system (GIS) enables a transit agency to collect, store, analyse and display data by
location. GIS can provide transportation agencies with specific information regarding mobility problems.
With GIS software, a spatial analysis can determine the areas of high demand and help operations planning
manager to create a fleet operation plan which is in line with the travel demand. The technology helps in
optimal utilisation of the public transport fleet.

Scheduling and dispatch software for fleet management

Scheduling and dispatch software is to generate timetable schedule for the public transport. The software
also is used to route, schedule, and dispatch vehicles in demand response operations. It is generally
integrated with GIS and AVL to coordinate different transit functions. A combination of technologies such
as, software based dispatching and AVL can increase the efficiency of transit operations, enhance safety,
improve service, and optimise costs. For example, systems integrating automated scheduling and
dispatching and AVL enable a controller/dispatcher to know the exact location and status of each bus under
control. This real-time information allows the dispatcher to tackle any issue with service or to respond to any
incident. Further, automated dispatching software and AVL allow the integration of services among many
separate transportation agencies to bridge transportation gaps. The software can also help in integrated route
planning and scheduling of multiple modes of public transportation in a city.

Transit signal priority for fleet management

Transit signal priority (TSP) is the process of altering traffic signal timing at intersections to give: priority to
public transport. TSP can be activated by public transport vehicles working in their own particular right-of-
path or in blended movement along a road (known as mainline priority), or operating in an auxiliary lane at
an intersection (known as a queue jump).
With mainline TSP, the typical treatment is to increase the green aspect of the signal as or curtail the red
signal to permit need for BRT vehicles, thus reducing the delay of public transport at intersection. With a
queue jumping type TSP, the public transport vehicle gets a separate green phase to go through the
intersection before the adjacent through traffic. In either case, the signal aspect timing is altered in
accordance to protect the sign cycle length and thus keep the signal system in coordination. TSP is different
from signal pre-emption, which interferes with typical sign operation and changes the sign cycle length to
accommodate special events, such as a train approaching a railroad grade crossing adjacent to a signal or an
emergency vehicle responding to an emergency call.

Lane control signals

Lane control signals (LCS) have been or are currently being installed on highways (freeways) in several
major metropolitan areas in the United States. The LCS consists of overhead lane specific signals denoting a
red "X" if travel in the lane is prohibited, and a green arrow if travel is permitted. The LCS symbolically
displays the current status of each lane to inform the vehicle drivers about the condition of the lanes ahead so
that they may take appropriate action. Some of the benefits associated with LCS implementation include:
a) Safety-reduction in the number and severity of primary and secondary accidents
b) Traffic management--improved traffic flow stability (less variation in vehicle speeds) headway
optimisation, and increased vehicle throughput
c) Reduced travel time, energy consumption, and pollutant emission
d) Reduced queue lengths
e) Improved safety and efficiency for roadway maintenance operations
f) Improved emergency vehicle movement

Traveller Information Systems

Traveller information system provides passengers information for planning their trips and to keep them
updated during their trips. There are broadly two types of transit information- static, such as route maps,
dynamic such as route delays and other real-time information. The information can be accessed by the
passengers from differing locations such as home, work, stops, wayside areas, and on-board vehicles.
Information can be accessed through number of means, such as automated trip itineraries, in-vehicle
display/announcers, variable message signs, monitors, and interactive kiosks. These technologies help the
users to better plan their trips and reduce the anxiety in users by providing needed information in case of
delays.
Automated trip itineraries
Automated trip itineraries facilitate the users with the information necessary to plan a trip from origin to
destination. Automated trip itineraries consist of a broad range of data, such as modes of travel, travel time,
transfers, schedules, fares, tourist information. When automated trip itineraries are integrated with AVL
technology, real-time information concerning traffic congestion and possible delays can be reported. Since
automated trip itineraries are electronic, they can be accessed by various means, such as touch-tone
telephones, personal computers, pagers, hand-held devices, kiosks, and Internet, fax machines, cable and
interactive television. The automated trip itineraries provide accurate and timely information for customers
through a variety of means which makes it very convenient for the customers to plan their journey.

In-vehicle information system

In vehicle information system usually provides desired information through audio and visual means. It is
used en-route, to provide passengers with next bus stop information. A display system (usually LCD screen)
is placed in the front, and sometimes in the middle of each vehicle which displays next stop information
along with a pre-recorded message simultaneously announces the same information. In-vehicle announcers
help passengers with either visual or hearing impairment to know about their stop and get ready to get down
at the stop. The in-vehicle information system also helps new customers like tourists, foreigners, etc.
unfamiliar with a route to find their stop.

Variable message sign (VMS)

VMS is an electronic message sign with systematically arranged cluster of light emitting diodes (LEDs)
which are wired together and electronically driven and controlled. VMSs are used on roadways to provide
travellers information about special events such as traffic congestion, accidents, incidents, roadwork zones,
or speed limits on a specific highway segment. Timely information helps the travellers in planning their
journey efficiently.

Interactive kiosks
Interactive kiosks can be generally touch screen computer-like terminals or larger machines that provide
travel information at the click of screen by the user. Found in malls, hotel, airports, businesses, and transit
centres, interactive kiosks are accessed easily by a combination of computer-mouse, touch screen, or
keyboard. These can provide a wide range of travel information, such as schedules, routes of public
transport, fares schemes, traffic congestions and weather condition in the city. When integrated with
automatic vehicle location information kiosks can facilitate customers with real-time information, such as
the on time status transit vehicle. Interactive kiosks can promote transit services by providing easy access to
information about a wide range of services for both new and existing customers. These kiosks contribute to
greater customer convenience and satisfaction, and for the transit agency, the potential for increased
revenues from both enhanced ridership as well as advertising on these kiosks. Interactive kiosks are
available at some of the international airports.

Electronic Fare Collection

An electronic fare collection is a system in which electronic media (cards or tokens) are used in place of
paper tickets, to pay for transit fares. The objective of an electronic fare collection system is to offer
convenience to the customers as they are not required to purchase the ticket for every journey. Electronic
fare collection system also reduces the expense of handling and protecting transit revenues. In an automated
fare system, different types of media can be used in a variety of ways including shopping at retail outlets.
The types of electronic media include magnetic stripe cards, credit or debit cards, or smart cards which can
be contact or contactless. For example, some systems may use these media for transit, retail purchases, and
banking, while other systems may use them for transit only. The benefit of an electronic fare system is a
reduction in the cost of handling, fare processing and arresting revenue leakage.

TRANSPORT INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

There are software tools available in the market for efficient operations of the public transport fleets. These
software tools are increasingly being adopted by public transport operators to cut costs, boost efficiency and
improve service excellence. A typical transport integrated management software tool has following four
modules:
a) Roster: It allows creating, maintaining, and modifying templates for common rosters. It also offers a
detailed view of drivers and vehicles available for all shift dispatch points and allows us to impose
scheduling conditions.
b) Dispatch: It collects data from the roster and performance modules to a full view of the operational
day, all on a single screen. It allows finding and assigning vehicles, managing drivers, covering
shifts, and allocating to multiple drivers.
c) Timesheet: It allows generating timesheets. It links with the dispatch tool to update automatically if
any changes are made to shifts.
d) Performance monitor: It is an all-in- one tools that measures staff and company performance, as
well as customer satisfaction. It integrates with the dispatch tool and allows to track events in real-
time and correct them accordingly.
The actual functionalities of the tool may vary as per the requirements envisaged by the public transport
operator. The software tool can also be integrated with the ITS system of the city to exchange real-time data
with operation control centre for traffic management in the city.

BEST PRACTICES IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT

A number of ITS applications have been developed by various organisations across the world and
customised to offer transportation solution as per their own specific needs. In developed countries, ITS is
increasingly used not only for mitigation of congestion and demand management, but also for road safety
and improved infrastructure.
Some noteworthy implementations of ITS for public transport systems around the world are described in the
following sections.

United Kingdom-Smart Card

In Greater London, UK, the oyster card acts as a smart mobility card for electronic ticketing on public
transport. The oyster card can be used on all public transport modes across London which includes London
Underground, London Buses, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, trams, some river
boat services, and most National Rail services within the London fare zones. This system was started by
Transport for London (T f L) which is responsible for operation and management of all modes of public
transport in London.

A standard oyster card can hold single tickets, period tickets and travel permits that should be added to the
card before travel. Passengers swipe the card on an electronic reader while entering and exiting the transport
system so as to validate it or deduct fare for travel. Cards may be topped up (recharged) by recurring
payment authority, by online purchase, at credit card terminals or by cash, at stations or ticket offices. The
card has been developed to reduce

ITS for Smart Cities

INTRODUCTION
Although there is no universal definition of smart city, in general, smart city can be defined as a liveable and
connected city that provides core infrastructure and offers a decent quality of life, a clean and sustainable
environment and application of 'smart' solutions to meet the growing aspiration of its citizens. According to
the British Standards Institute (BSI), smart city is "The effective integration of physical, digital and human
systems in the built environment to deliver sustainable, prosperous and inclusive future for its citizens". The
concept of smart city in itself is unending process. Today's cities are definitely smarter than what they were
100 years ago likewise tomorrow's cities are going to be smarter than today's. Making a city smart is an
evolutionary and unending process. Today we are reaping the benefits of IT revolution which have become
game changer in making our life smarter at a much faster pace. Smart phones, smart TVs, smart appliances,
etc. are not only accessible but have become part of day-to-day life. When everything around is getting
smarter even the citizens why not the city itself.

Key Components of Smart City

The key components of a smart city are:
a) Smart people
b) Smart economy
c) Smart environment
d) Smart government
e) Smart living
f) Smart mobility

SMART CITIES MISSION STATEMENT AND GUIDELINES

Government of India has issued Smart Cities Mission Statement and Guidelines in June 2015.
The objective of Smart City Mission is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent
quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of 'smart' solutions. The
focus is on sustainable and inclusive development and the idea is to look at compact areas, create a
replicable model which will act like a lighthouse to other aspiring cities.
According to Smart City Mission, the core infrastructure elements in a smart city would include:
a) Adequate water supply
b) Assured electricity supply
c) Sanitation, including solid waste management
d) Efficient urban mobility and public transport
e) Affordable housing, especially for the poor
f) Robust IT connectivity and digitalisation
g) Good governance, especially e-governance and citizen participation
h) Sustainable environment
i) Safety and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the elderly
j) Health and education

In case of transportation, mobility is the key component of the smart cities. There are some important
aspects, which need to be considered for mobility in smart cities:
a) Ease of movement is at the core in the smart city.
b) Transport system emphasises walking, cycling, public transport (PT) as primary modes of transport
while the usages of personalised vehicles are discouraged.
c) Freight movement network at low cost and high speed.
d) Improved mobility through three prolonged approaches:
(i) Improvement of PT--public bus, metro, BRT, LRT, monorail, etc.
(ii) Improvement in transport infrastructure-ring road, bypass, elevated roads, improvement in
existing roadways.
(iii) Improvements in infrastructure for walking, cycling and waterways.

The National Urban Transport Policy of India focuses on the mobility of people. It encourages people to
stop using their personalised vehicles and switch over to PT. It means that the PT should be efficient,
effective and economical which can attract commuters. Hence, a successful PT can meet all the aforesaid
parameters.

ITS SOLUTIONS FOR SMART CITIES

Although intelligent transport systems have been around for a long time, the solutions of new generation
offer features like traffic prediction, analytics and decision support, traveller information, advisory services,
ticketing and fare collection. Innovative tools such as roadside sensors, radio frequency tags and global
positioning systems also help in monitoring and managing transport more effectively.
For example, traffic prediction helps multi-modal planning whereby transport services can be integrated to
provide seamless and efficient movement of people. Analytics and decision support helps in continuous,
system-wide performance measurement that helps optimal solutions to a city's dynamic transport to provide
needs. Providing integrated ticketing and fare collection enhance commuter comfort by integrating rail, bus
and parking fares.
Sustained research across cities has revealed that an intelligent transport system is much more than just
discrete software solutions. It is about adopting customer-centric create a shift in their attitudes to cost,
approaches that value and use of transport systems. That is why leading cities worldwide are using these
technologies to implement transport strategies and create holistic transport solutions that address three key
strategies: governance, transport network optimisation and integrated transport services.
As technologies mature and local administrations become more experienced in optimising their value, one
can expect more and more cities to adopt these global practices. Of course, cities can learn from others'
experiences and accelerate their own programs for smart transportation.
Traffic management has been a challenge in India and continues to become more difficult with every
passing day. It cannot be addressed only by constructing new roads, bridges and underpasses. The solution
lies in taking an integrated approach to traffic management and leveraging advanced technologies and
intelligent solutions.

ITS TECHNOLOGIES FOR SMART CITY

The following ITS driven technologies can be deployed to make transportation system smart in a city:
a) Multi-modal transportation and traveller information systems
b) Smart ticketing and mobile payments
c) Intelligent traffic management systems
d) e-Mobility
e) Cooperative ITS or cooperative vehicle infrastructure system (CVIS)
f) Solar power for electric vehicles (EVs) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
g) Freight solutions
h) Car and bike rental and sharing
i) On-demand taxis
j) Congestion zones and road user charging
k) Automated highway system (AHS)
l) Driverless public transportation service
m) Artificial intelligence for smart transportation systems

Multi-modal Transportation and Traveller Information Systems

The transport system in a city is sum total of different modes of transport metro, bus, monorail, autorikshaw,
taxi, private vehicles, etc. A multi-modal integrated transportation system offers several alternatives to users
for travelling from one place to other place. For a sustainable, liveable, smart city, it is important to promote
public transport as an integrated transportation solution to ease congestion and reduce pollution.
As an integral important part of intelligent transport system (ITS), advanced information system (ATIS)
provides travellers with pre-trip travellers information about travel options as well as real-time advice on
navigating a through a dynamic transportation network, where conditions may change rapidly many times in
the course of a typical day. Advanced traveller information systems (ATIS) includes following components:
a) Real-time traffic information provision
b) Route guidance/navigation systems
c) Parking information
d) Roadside weather information systems

Smart Ticketing and Mobile Payments

Smart ticketing
Smart ticketing is where the ticket or product is stored electronically on a microchip rather than printed on a
paper ticket. In most existing smart ticketing schemes, this microchip is embedded in a smartcard, but it
could also be on a smart phone. Alternatively, a smart product could be linked to a travel account situated in
a scheme's back office, so that the chip acts as a token rather holding the ticket product itself.
Smart and integrated ticketing covering most modes of transport and is integral to develop an integrated
multi-modal transport system for smart mobility in a city. Smart card based integrated fare product offers
flexibility to the users to use it across all major modes of transport like metro, bus, mono rail, taxi, etc.
Being very convenient to use, the integrated ticketing encourages use of multiple modes and Octopus card in
turn promotes public transport. Oyster card of London of Hong Kong, and ez-Link card of Singapore are
some of the successful examples of integrated multi-modal fare products.

Mobile payment
The mobile payment has further revolutionised the fare collection system for integrated multi-modal
transportation in a city. Mobile ticketing (m-ticketing) uses the concept of near field communication (NFC)
for electronic ticketing in public transport system. With m-ticketing, a mobile application can provide all
information about various modes of transport in a city and can also be used as a convenient fare product.

Intelligent Traffic Management Systems

Intelligent traffic management systems are required not only for smooth management of the traffic but also
to reduce traffic congestion. Intelligent traffic management systems are integral part of smart mobility
system of a city.
The conventional traffic lights are rigid and do not adapt to the dynamic traffic situation. The intelligent
traffic management system takes into consideration the variation in volume of traffic at different point of
time and alter the aspect of the signal to ensure optimal green period at the traffic signals. The traffic lights
at any one given intersection will be connected to every other traffic light in the city, in order to ensure safe
and efficient movement of traffic everywhere.
The green link determination (GLIDE) system of traffic control implemented by Singapore in 1990s and
development thereafter is perhaps the best example of intelligent traffic management system. GLIDE system
has three main functions. These are the allocation of optimum green- time to each of the approaches at a
junction according to the volume of traffic on each of these approaches, the provision of linking for adjacent
traffic signals and the ability to monitor the status of the traffic signals in the system centrally. Benefits
arising from the implementation of the GLIDE system include higher journey speeds in the city area and
lower overall fuel consumption.

E-Mobility
The e-mobility means use of electric vehicles as mode of transportation. As electric vehicles do not use
fossil fuels, they do not produce any pollution inside the city. The hybrid vehicles (based on a mix of electric
and fossil fuels) have already become quite popular and also being promoted by the government.
Government of India launched the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 in 2013. It aims
to achieve national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles in the country. There is an
ambitious target to achieve 6-7 million sales of hybrid and electric vehicles per year from 2020 onwards.
Government aims to provide fiscal and monetary incentives to kick start this nascent technology. It is a
composite scheme using different policy-levers such as:
 Demand side incentives to facilitate acquisition of hybrid/electric vehicles
 Promoting R&D in technology including battery technology based on lithium ion, power electronics,
motors, systems integration, battery management system, testing infrastructure, and ensuring
industry participation in the same
 Promoting charging infrastructure
 Supply side incentives for creating manufacturing eco system for production of EVs in the country
 Encouraging retro-fitment of on-road vehicles with hybrid kit

Cooperative ITS or Cooperative Vehicle Infrastructure System (CVIS)

The definition of cooperative systems in road traffic according to the European Commission is "Road
operators, infrastructure, vehicles, their drivers and other road users will cooperate to deliver the most
efficient, safe, secure and comfortable journey. The vehicle-vehicle and vehicle-infrastructure cooperative
systems will contribute to these objectives beyond the improvements achievable with stand-alone systems."
The stated objectives of CVIS, Europe are:
a) Create a wireless network between and amongst vehicles and infrastructure
b) Create an open platform for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) cooperative
services
c) Increase road efficiency and safety through vehicle-infrastructure cooperation.

The cooperative ITS permits the vehicles to communicate with each other, with traffic control centres and
with the roadside infrastructure. Intersections and information signs also become intelligent and interact with
the vehicles to make traffic safer, greener and more efficient. The vehicle driver receives important traffic
reports, restriction notices and warnings directly in the vehicle; helping them to avoid accidents or
prompting them to take action and this all happens long before the driver can actually see any hazards. The
congestion, accidents and pollution are all minimised with the help of cooperative ITS.

Cooperative ITS transmits to drivers necessary real-time information to help realise not only safer
transportation and people-friendly environment but also comfortable driving by road infrastructure-to-
vehicle (I2V), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communications.
The following applications are part of CVIS, Europe project:
a) Cooperative urban applications (CURB subproject): It includes re-routing and on-trip
information for individual driver based on accurate area-wide travel time information which is
derived from "floating vehicle data collection", while by communicating directly with road users,
road operators can improve their traffic management strategies in order to reduce congestion and
vehicle emissions. Other examples of this application include priority to emergency vehicles at
intersections; speed advisory to drivers for passing through a series of traffic lights without stopping;
sharing of bus-lane by other vehicles when not needed for public transport, in order to improve road
capacity.
b) Cooperative inter-urban applications (CINT subproject): It can improve drivers' awareness of
the road environment around their vehicles through alerts and warnings on road incidents, accidents,
weather and traffic conditions, speed regulations or wrong-way drivers.
c) Cooperative freight and fleet applications (CF&F subproject): It offers substantial benefits
for professional drivers and fleet managers. The rest area parking or loading space can be booked in
advance to facilitate shorter delivery times, less fuel consumption and emissions while searching for
parking, and improved traffic flow by avoiding double-parking. Other applications developed in
CVIS may include dangerous goods transport monitoring and controlled access to restricted areas,
e.g., bridge, tunnel, environmental zone, etc.

Solar Power for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

Renewable sources of energy to power the city is one of the key components of smart city project. The
recent advancements in technologies related to solar power and electric can pave a way for significant
reduction in consumption of fossil based fuel for transportation vehicles in a city. The productivity of
photocells has improved significantly and at the same time efficiency of electric cars has also been
increasing. The facilities of charging EVs through solar power are already being created in developed cities
on pilot project basis. Further, the renewable energy sources like solar and wind can be used to replace
thermal power sources partly or fully. However, the solar power needs to be stored if not being used on real-
time basis. The storage of power not only needs capital investment for setting up battery bank but also need
precious space. Here, the electric vehicle (EV) can be used as a battery bank to store excess energy from
solar power sources such as building with roof top solar panels. The EVs parked in the basement of the
buildings can supply power to the building or to the grid called vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system. Such systems
require bidirectional capability--the vehicle must be able to send power back to the grid as well as take it
from the grid. The requirement and consumption of energy varies building to building. The information
about requirement and consumption of energy by different buildings across the city can be collected using
information and communication technologies (ICT) and surplus energy from one building can be supplied to
meet the shortage elsewhere. This kind of smart network can minimise the reliance on thermal power and
use EVs to harness maximum potential of solar power. Japan is already working on the concept of V-2-G for
a smart city. Auto industry is coming up with new models of car which are capable to bidirectional flow of
energy (grid-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-grid) to meet the requirement of V2G. 270

Freight Solutions
The transportation of freight is inevitable and it indeed expands with the growth of population, economy and
transport infrastructure because raw materials for manufacturing industries must be conveyed from the
origin to the place of manufacture, and finished goods are required to be transported from factory to market
place and delivered to customers for ultimate consumption. All these transportation requirements are met by
land-based freight transport system.
With increasing demand, urban freight transport is facing many challenging problems such as high levels of
traffic congestion, negative environmental impacts, high energy consumption, inefficient fleet management
and operation, insufficient real-time traffic information and poor communication.
The introduction of ITS in freight transportation has offered a balanced solution for maintaining mobility
and accessibility, while avoiding and mitigating the undesirable side effects mentioned above. ITS present
an opportunity for better management of existing resources and infrastructure, through the provision of
information to drivers, logistics companies and transportation professionals and through new control
possibilities, along with environmental sustainability.
ITS can offer a wide variety of services which can improve the overall efficiency of urban freight in cities.
The ITS services range from access control and privileges granted to specific vehicles (low noise, low or
zero emissions, etc.) to dynamic routing, lane sharing, load index control, information about other road
users, delivery space availability or information related to logistics.
The integration of urban freight into urban network management relies on advanced traffic management
operations and a better use of data on urban freight. This requires the potential of increased exchange of data
on urban freight to be explored, and the possible deployment of C-ITS, in particular vehicle-to-infrastructure
(V2I).
Car and Bike Rental and Sharing
Bike sharing
A bike rental scheme is a service which makes bicycle available for shared use to individuals on a very
short-term basis. Under the bike rental schemes, the users can pick bike from one bike station and leave it at
other bike station as per his convenience. The bike stations are spread across the length and breadth of the
city to facilitate easy access to the users. These bike "pick up" and "return" stations operate on round the
clock basis throughout the year. They are strategically located throughout the city to make them easily
accessible from public transport stations as well as residential and commercial areas. The advanced bike
rental systems operate with the help of IT technologies and provide users with real-time bike availability
information through mobile applications. These "smart" bike-sharing systems provide the missing link
between existing points of public transportation and desired destinations, offering a new form of mobility
that complements the existing public transport systems as feeder service. The smart card based integrated
fare product can also be used for bike rental systems.

Car sharing
It is scheme of car rental where people can rent cars for short periods of time, often by the hour. It is a
system for sharing cars between a number of users in which each user pays for his share of the operating
costs, such as fuel, insurance, parking, and tax, in accordance with their level of use. Car sharing scheme
involves allocating vehicle use over shorter periods of time than car rental, with users able to access the
service at a cheaper rate each time in the case of brief trips. This scheme also allows users to book car via
methods such as the Internet and to pick up and return vehicles at the appointed times through a trouble-free
automated and unstaffed process. This scheme is highly appreciated by the customers who make only
occasional use of a vehicle, as well as others who would like occasional access to a vehicle of a different
type than they use day-to-day.

On-demand Taxis
The need of on-demand taxis will remain even with a fully developed integrated smart public transport
system, the taxi service in a city for various reasons such as for tourists, medical needs, leisure trips,
attending parties, functions, etc. Indeed, the 'smart mobility' in a city is also dependent on well-organised on-
demand taxi service which is preferably available online platforms such as Internet and mobile applications.
The online applications facilitate the users to check availability of taxi in near vicinity, know applicable
fares, book the taxi, pay for the service and submit feedback about the service online. The demand data
captured by the online application can be used by service provider to assess demand on different routes at
different times of the day and plan the availability of the vehicles accordingly. The system also helps in
improving efficiency of taxi operation by real-time monitoring of the vehicle fleet and their utilisation. ITS
further helps in improving the availability of the taxis for the users and thereby benefits both operator and
the users.

Congestion Zones and Road User Charging

One of the most potential transport management tools to control peak hour traffic congestion in busy areas
of the city is to impose congestion charges, i.e., charge the vehicle users for using the road during the peak
period. Unlike tolls, where tolls are collected to meet the capital and operational cost of the road, the main
objective of congestion charge is to manage the peak hour demand. For implementation of congestion
charges, the area where congestion charges would be applicable called congestion zone and amount to be
charged at different points of time needs to be specified.

The application of ITS for congestion charging facilitates two-way communication between the vehicle and
roadside equipment and a charge is deducted from the smart-card when the vehicle passes a charging point
or enters a charged area.

The road user charging system collects the charges for the use of the road as per actual distance travelled by
the vehicle. The vehicles are charged onetime registration fee and/or some annual road usage fee irrespective
of the actual usage of the vehicle. The road users are free to use road as much as they want once they have
paid one time/annual fee for road usage. This system does not discourage the road users from excessive use
of the road. The road user charging system is a GPS based system which transmits the data of the actual
distance travelled by the vehicle to a central server. The vehicle user is charged as per the actual usage of the
road.

Automated Highway System (AHS)

The automated highway system is defined as "a lane or set of lanes where specially equipped cars, trucks
and buses could travel together under computer control". In an AHS, the vehicle is guided by the road rather
than by the driver. Sensors and communication devices link the road and the vehicle to maximise driving
performance. Driver error will be reduced and ultimately, with full implementation of AHS, the driver's
error is eliminated. It is one of the aspects of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), which apply
electronics, computers and control technology developed for aviation, the space programme and defence to
the improvement of highways, vehicles and public transportation. The AHS consists of magnetic sensors,
computers, digital radio, forward-looking sensors, video cameras, and display in different pilot technologies
studies

Benefits of AHS
The benefits of AHS on the performance of the existing transportation system will, over time, be enormous
and far-reaching. Over the long term, traffic congestion will be reduced; safety will be enhanced to produce
a virtually collision-free environment; driving will be predictable and reliable. More specifically, the
following advantages of AHS are expected:
(a) Capacity enhancement of highways: The number of vehicles per hour per lane can be significantly
increased as traffic speeds are standardised and increased and permissible headway distances are
decreased.
(b) Improve safety: Driving safety will be significantly greater than at present. The human error factor
will be removed.
(c) High-performance driving: It can be conducted without regard to weather and environmental
conditions.
(d) All drivers using AHS can be safe and efficient drivers: AHS offers enhanced mobility for people
with disabilities, the elderly, and less experienced drivers.
 (e) Reduce fuel consumption and emissions: In the short term, these reductions will be accomplished
because start-and-stop driving will be minimised and on-board sensors will be monitored to ensure
that the vehicle is operating at top performance.
(f) Efficient utilisation of road: Land can be used more efficiently. Roads will not need to take up as
much room, since AHS facilities should allow for more effective use of the right of way.
(g) More efficient commercial operations: Commercial trucking can realise better trip reliability to
support "just-in-time" delivery.
(h) More efficient transit operations: Transit operations can be automated, extending the flexibility and
convenience of the transit option to increase ridership and service.

Driverless Public Transportation Service

Driverless bus is the next step in the field of autonomous vehicles. The introduction of driverless bus has
potential to revolutionise the public transport system in a city. Like driverless (autonomous) cars, the
driverless bus will be equipped with multi-sensor technology, computerised driving and will run on
batteries. It is believed that the autonomous buses will soon enter into the commercial use and will replace
the conventional buses in times to come.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Smart Transportation Systems

Artificial intelligence refers to a system capable of rationally solving complex problems or taking
appropriate actions to achieve its goals in whatever real world circumstances it encounters. In other words,
Al, a computerized system that exhibits behaviour, i.e., commonly thought of as requiring intelligence.

AI has already being adopted to design and develop a smart transportation system for a city. Autonomous
vehicle are perhaps the best example of AI application in transportation sector. AI-enabled smarter traffic
management applications reduce wait times, energy use, and emissions. The smart cities have started
leveraging the type of responsive dispatching and routing used by ride-hailing services, and linking it
with scheduling and tracking software for public transportation to provide just-in-time access to public
transportation that can often be faster, cheaper and, in many cases, more accessible to the public.

Today's new cars have AI-based driver assist features like self-parking and advanced cruise controls that
keep a car in its lane and adjust speed based on surrounding vehicles. Fully automated cars monitored by
humans can already be seen driving on the roads. The automated surface vehicle technology is likely be
safer than human drivers as most of the accidents are attributed to human errors. Automated vehicles also
offer the possibility of greater mobility for the elderly and differently abled who may not be able to drive. A
well-designed system of automated vehicles able to predict and avoid collisions may also significantly
reduce transportation-related emissions and energy consumption.

The future of smart transportation system truly belongs to application of artificial intelligence.

EXAMPLES OF SMART CITY INITIATIVES IN INDIA

Many Indian cities, viz. Hyderabad, Surat, Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Mangalore, Jamshedpur, Kanpur, Delhi,
Mumbai and Chennai, have already begun deploying a few smart technologies to provide transport as well
as civic services, which are as follows:
(a) Metro rail system
(b) Traffic management systems
(c) Deployment of advance communication systems
(d) Smart meters
(e) GRPS for solid waste management
(f) GIS to manage property tax
(g) Online water quality monitoring
(h) Online building plan approval schemes, etc.