Data Analysis at the service of public mobility

Authored by AMTS 

National Access Point (NAP)

Digitalisation and data sharing are essential processes for the implementation of new mobility information services. The European Commission, through specific directives, is requesting the implementation of National Access Points (NAPs) from the transport authorities of each EU country to facilitate the sharing and re-use of transport and mobility data. A NAP represents a single national access point for data that can be used to develop new applications for innovative, efficient and sustainable mobility. The data provided by authorities and transport operators and made available through NAPs cover a wide range of useful mobility-related information. Static mobility and traffic data, such as public transport timetables, are essential for information and planning purposes during the preparatory phase of a journey. Dynamic data, for example on delays and inconveniences en route, enable end-users of mobility services to make well-informed decisions and save time.

Synergy

The mobility pilot (Mobility federated access point) of the TEADAL project involves the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and the Azienda Metropolitana Trasporti e Sosta Catania S.p.A. (AMTS) and aims to collect, standardise and analyse mobility data (produced by AVM -Automatic Vehicle Monitoring systems) through the technological tools provided within the project in order to create a tool that facilitates the development of a data integration channel towards the National Access Point and a shared, efficient and secure analysis tool.

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) will ensure that the pilot project is developed, discussed and shared by stakeholders from different categories (Public Transport Authorities, Operators and Industry), broadening the basis of consensus and acceptability of the developed solutions.

AMTS, as a public transport operator, will integrate UITP’s input with its specific needs and expectations and provide data from its own on-board AVM systems.

AVM -Automatic Vehicle Monitoring

Automatic Vehicle Monitoring (AVM), is a system for real-time monitoring of various quantities related to moving vehicles:

• position detection, 
• route detection
• speed, stops, changes
• diagnostic information 

AVM systems are not limited to monitoring the above-mentioned typical physical parameters of the moving vehicle, but in the context of local public transport, they also monitor the service performed by the vehicle ( as individual machine shifts). AVM is based on Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology, which is the sub-system that deals with vehicle remote localisation (GPS). 

When it starts up, the on-board system automatically connects to the Central Unit and receives any updates or setup commands and begins to acquire and transfer (3G/4G mobile network) data in real time.

Thanks to automatic acquisition routines developed by the technological partners of the TEADAL project, the data constantly produced by the AMTS AVM system are conveyed to the datalake.

Goals and Potential Benefits

TEADAL can be a powerful tool to address the technical and bureaucratic challenges currently faced by NAP’s and mobility operators. On the other hand, the project hopes for community and social improvement through the sharing and analysis of data collected in areas such as: 

Real-time traffic management:
The collected and processed data can be cross-linked with real-time traffic information such as congestion levels, accidents and road closures. This data can be used by mobility operators or other managing authorities to optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion, ultimately improving public travel times

Public transport optimisation:
Data on public transport timetables, routes and usage patterns can help operators such as AMTS optimise bus schedules and routes, making services more efficient and reliable. This can encourage more people to use public transport, reducing congestion and emissions. Data analysis can help optimise resource allocation, for example by deciding when and where to send additional vehicles to meet demand or reduce overcrowding.

Urban planning:
Data analysis can provide information on traffic patterns, commuter habits and popular routes in order to design more pedestrian-friendly cities, create bicycle lanes or more effective urban planning projects by prioritising infrastructure investments where they are most needed.

Fair transport:
Analysis of mobility data can help identify areas with limited access to transport options. Municipalities and local transport authorities can use this information to develop strategies to ensure a fair access to mobility services, especially for disadvantaged communities.

Promoting sustainable transport: 
Data publication can support efforts to promote sustainable transport options, such as carpooling, bike and car sharing. By identifying areas with high potential for these transport services, cities can implement initiatives to encourage their use.

Improving navigation apps: 
Companies that provide navigation apps can use NAP’s data to improve their services. Accurate and up-to-date information on road conditions, roadworks and traffic can help users find the fastest and most efficient routes.

Safety improvements: 
Analysis of accident and incident data can lead to targeted improvements in road safety. This can include better traffic signs, better junctions and increased enforcement in high-risk areas.