TRAIN & BUS WI-FI & MICRO-MOBILITY: E-SCOOTER & BIKE-SHARING

PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY

Always Stay Safe, Mobile & Connected

Secure Connectivity for Public Transport Operators

Public transport systems rely on critical connectivity for a wide range of functions. For example, anti-collision systems, cameras, on-board CCTV, driver monitoring, on-board Wi-Fi and track monitoring systems. With large and widely dispersed mobile assets, a key element of public transport services and  solutions is critical connectivity, with broader coverage and greater resilience built in.

This is where choice of communications partner becomes a critical success factor. Public transport and mobility scheme operators need to consider the safety and total cost of ownership of their communications, including the effect it has on asset recovery and loss reduction.

Public Transport Use Cases: Routers & SIM Cards

Public Transport

Our connectivity systems help fleet operators provide optimum security & value added services:

Health & Safety

Our critical connectivity solutions help ensure infrastructure, assets & drivers are safely monitored:

Highway Management

Our connectivity systems help infrastructure providers to optimise their systems & infrastructure:

Smart Mobility

We provide a range of connectivity solutions for maintenance, information systems and end user payment apps:

Public Transport Safety Systems

Public transport safety systems have come a long way in recent years, thanks to the integration of advanced connectivity technology. Utilizing this technology, transport authorities are able to monitor and manage various aspects of safety in real-time. From CCTV cameras on buses and trains to track and trace systems for passengers, connectivity plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and well-being of commuters. With the ability to transmit data instantly, transport operators can respond swiftly to emergencies, accidents or any suspicious activities. By harnessing the power of connectivity, public transport safety systems are constantly evolving to provide a safer and more secure commuting experience for everyone.

Multi-Network Connectivity for Tracking MaaS Assets

Caburn strongly advocate the use of multi-network connectivity for keeping track of MaaS assets for two key reasons:

Coverage

No single network offers complete coverage of every part of a city or country, and limiting your assets to the cell sites of one operator can lead to some of them ending up lost in a backwater. A multi-network profile on a SIM card will offer maximum geographical coverage.

Resilience

All networks and individual cell sites are susceptible to occasional outages, a multi-network SIM card profile lets your assets simply, and automatically switch to another network if this happens.

Given the scale involved with a successful MaaS scheme, operators should also take a good look at the functionality of the communications partner’s management platform, to ensure a good long term fit. A powerful and simple to use platform should allow very large scale, widely dispersed fleets to be monitored from one page, regardless of network operator or country. Ideally this should enable the operator to manage by exception, knowing that they only need to focus on any assets behaving out of the normal parameters.

Reliable & Streamlined Connectivity Asset Management

Caburn’s SIM-Insight management platform enables remote management of the connectivity of dispersed transport devices. With over 600 operators in over 200 countries covered, and all assets visible on a single page, with API integration to allow fully automated operation. A final but important consideration for the MaaS operator is the manufacturing and distribution impact of the SIM partner. Caburn’s clients benefit from a single SKU that can be production line-fitted and tested, then held at no charge through the supply chain, before being activated anywhere in the world, to be billed centrally at a predetermined, predictable and cost effective rate.

Embedded (eSIM) & eUICC Solutions for Micro-Mobility Devices

eScooters and related micro-mobility infrastructure typically requires a range of connectivity solutions. Due to the need for miniaturisation and shock or vibration resilience most are fitted with eSIMs at manufacture. 

This generally calls for an eUICC / eSIM Solution to enable connection flexibility and future proofing post deployment. For more information, you can read our articles linked below:

Besides the need to connect the vehicles themselves with cloud services, there are other points of infrastructure that need connectivity. For example, docking and charging stations, unattended payment terminals and fleet vehicles used for recovery and maintenance. 
 
In terms of infrastructure, they may require IoT SIM Cards or Managed IoT Routers. Each will require consideration of device and network security via IoT or Private APN, VPN and IPsec Tunnelling for device and router management with the requisite support.

Micro-Mobility & the Role of Connectivity

Micro-mobility requires that vehicle assets are monitored, locatable, and that users are able to make and communicate payment transactions to unlock the vehicle. Please read our article which discusses micro-mobility and the role IoT plays in its service delivery. You can also read our page that discusses market trends and the emergence & growth of E-Scooters.

Public Wi-Fi for Trains, Buses and Coaches

With the increasing demand for connectivity on the go, the role of routers and SIM cards in providing secure public Wi-Fi for trains, buses, and coaches has become integral. Routers act as the central hub for transmitting data signals, ensuring a seamless and reliable internet connection for passengers. Simultaneously, SIM cards play a crucial role in authenticating the user and securing the connection through encryption. Together, these components create a safe and efficient network infrastructure that allows travellers to stay connected throughout their journey, enhancing their overall travel experience. 

Smart Ticketing Systems: Revolutionising Public Transport

Public transportation has come a long way in recent years, with the introduction of innovative systems aiming to enhance efficiency and convenience for commuters. One such development is the Smart Ticketing System in the realm of transportation. This technology has transformed the way we access and utilize public transport services, simplifying the process and providing countless benefits to both passengers and service providers.

At its core, a smart ticketing system utilizes contactless technology to enable commuters to travel seamlessly across various modes of public transport, such as buses, trains, and trams, without the need for physical tickets or passes. By incorporating radio-frequency identification (RFID) or near field communication (NFC) technology, passengers can conveniently tap their smart cards or mobile devices to pay for journeys, eliminating the hassle of searching for exact change or queuing at ticket machines. These systems offers a multitude of advantages. Firstly, it enhances passenger convenience by streamlining the ticketing process, reducing wait times, and eliminating the need for carrying paper tickets or cards. It also provides flexibility in terms of payment methods, allowing individuals to link their smart cards to their bank accounts or payment apps, making transactions more secure and efficient.

From the perspective of service providers, smart ticketing systems offer invaluable insights into passenger behavior and travel patterns. By gathering data on passenger journeys, service providers can analyze travel trends, identify overcrowding issues, and make more informed decisions regarding service optimization and scheduling. This data-driven approach allows for a more targeted and efficient allocation of resources, ultimately resulting in a better overall experience for commuters. The Smart Ticketing System fosters a more sustainable approach to public transportation. By promoting the use of smart cards or mobile apps, it significantly reduces paper waste associated with traditional ticketing methods, aligning with the UK’s commitment to environmental preservation.

Smart Ticketing Systems are revolutionized public transport globally. With enhanced convenience, improved data analysis capabilities, and a more sustainable approach, commuters, tourists, shoppers and day trippers can now enjoy a seamless and efficient journey from start to finish. As technology continues to evolve, it is exciting to contemplate the future possibilities that smart ticketing systems will bring to the realm of public transport.

Further Articles and Informational Resources