The employment of technologies in roads, rail, and air transportation has reduced people’s dependence on physical infrastructure in coordinating how people travel. The massive shift has allowed transport management systems to be built around wireless communications, real-time information, and location technologies as the basis of coordination. Where there is data, transportation systems can coordinate in real-time and ultimately, improve the overall travel experience. We discuss how different transport sectors such as air, rail and road benefit from smart signs and other digital signage solutions to help solve unavoidable challenges and make the most out of real-time data management.
AIR SECTOR
Airlines can drastically improve overall customer experience by using real-time data to their advantage, particularly in the commercial sector. These days, commercial airlines employ online check-ins to drastically reduce queues and wait time, and ensure a faster and smoother flight. With real-time information, personalised navigation is possible. Airlines can direct travellers to their respective gates, airport lounges, and baggage collection.
Not only that, problems that may quickly escalate to customer dissatisfaction can be avoided when data is translated into actionable information for the benefit of customers and staff. Through real-time data, airlines can act quicker, allowing them to make better decisions. Utilising real-time information provides early warnings to frontline staff with regards to overbooking, delayed connections or aircraft problems.
RAIL SECTOR
Railway systems benefit largely from technological solutions that utilise real-time information. From automatic ticketing systems, digital displays, and smart metres, the rail sector can optimise their assets in order to improve passenger safety and experience.
Like the air sector, the most obvious benefit of real-time technology in the rail sector is increased productivity. Customers have more control over their journeys thanks to real-time information on train arrivals, departures or break-downs. On the rail management side, better information systems allow workers on the tracks to know where their next assignment will be. Lastly, video analytics and thermal imaging can predict engine performance and can pre-empt maintenance issues before a train goes out of service.
ROAD SECTOR
Real-time traffic data has been a huge support for vehicle routing, and it has ultimately changed the way people use roads. Today, the use of Google Maps has become commonplace, especially at tourist destinations. Locally, it helps drivers coordinate the use of alternative roads to stray from bottleneck routes.
Daily commuters also benefit greatly from real-time information and can rely heavily on digital bus stops. The bus stop announcement system has become an effective tool in delivering real-time information including departure and arrival times. This efficiency has enabled passengers to accurately plan their trips while transit agencies are able to maintain or improve performance and services.
Providing commuters and bus operators with real-time information can decrease their wait times and improve overall passenger satisfaction. If passengers get prior knowledge on a delay, they can easily make informed decisions on which alternative routes to take. Accurate service information dispensed to all bus stops across the network, even in the most remote locations, can give people better control over their daily schedules.
DIGITAL IS THE WAY TO GO
As each sector benefits from real-time information, it’s really no wonder that smart cities are quickly emerging and evolving. Real-time data improves productivity, reduces operating costs, provides better customer experience, and meets the changing needs of customers and businesses.
Radiola can help improve your transportation network systems by providing a range of public transport signage, capable of delivering real-time information. Our signs are eco-friendly, provide excellent outdoor readability, and can deliver real-time updates on travel information. Contact us today to know more about our smart signs and improve your city’s transport systems and communications.