The essential technologies of this innovative transformation through mobility are based on high capacity connectivity (new generation) of mobile telephony or 5G), Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data. These advances facilitate the user’s journey and help foster public transport, intermodality in cities and their peripheral areas, thanks to the advantages they boast for full integration of the different systems (underground, tram, suburban railways, etc.)
Big data: Data to optimise mobility
The use of Big Data, a large volume of data, opens the door to greater and better knowledge of public transport in the cities. The possibility of having a permanent connection to the different user devices can mean that operators foresee the user’s needs and provide more services for their greater convenience. With this knowledge, applications are developed that automate and endow the system with the possibility of converting huge amounts of data into information that helps decision-making become more efficient, to grow in terms of research and development. This has a repercussion in terms of logistics, in the modelling of operations and traffic management in real time. It also serves for a complete analysis of mobility patterns (mobile phone data, social networks, etc.), and the detection of accidents.
Blockchain
Blockchain is also already a priority technology for intermodal centres, due to its multiple uses: identification of passengers, issuance of tickets, administration of more intuitive loyalty programmes, improved baggage tracking, simplified payment methods, etc. It is an option that allows for different agents of public transport to work together and with greater efficiency. This new system of distributed databases allows several actors to share access to the same information in a secure and confidential manner.
Machine Learning: efficient routing management
Innovations such as “Machine Learning” offer the opportunity to analyse the enormous amount of data that is generated continuously in urban transport networks.
The applications of machine learning within urban intermodality can be used to use algorithms and analyse data to subsequently carry out predictive analyses that allow for advance routing management. It is an ideal option to deploy a system of self-management of public transport in a Smart City.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The digital interconnection of everyday objects with the Internet is what is known as IoT, in line with its initials. The use of technology through the Internet is a key factor in transport systems today, since it allows for the connection of infrastructures, stations, administration systems, and other assets hitherto unknown until the present time. Connected transport solutions help in numerous ways in the field of intermodality. For example, the operating costs of fleet management and unit location and maintenance are reduced, thus increasing the efficiency of the networks; security is increased (video surveillance and monitoring solutions) and new services are provided to users (better experience for Wi-Fi access, ticket purchasing, etc.).
