Intelligent Transportation – A key building block for a Smart City

Smart city development is gaining traction world over, with about 55% of the population currently residing in cities and set to increase to about 60% by the year 2030. A crucial aspect that is at the heart of smart city development is urban mobility. Market reports state that the smart transportation market is expected to grow from USD 75.00 billion in 2018 to USD 149.21 billion by 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.7% during the forecast period.

Intelligent transportation is one of the most important elements of a Smart City plan. It is nothing but an array of technology that efficiently manages existing as well as new transportation systems, increasing operational efficiencies, improving safety and easing the transportation needs of people at a low and effective cost. It also offers a novel approach in providing different modes of transportation, advanced infrastructure and better traffic management solutions.

App-based mobility is one such solution that is redefining the way an individual travels in urban cities. Such apps allow citizens to plan their route, view real-time information about their preferred mode of travel, end-to-end directions, book and pay for services all in a single app. For example, the adoption of the integrated Uber app by commuters in London, UK. London public transport information with integrated real-time information regarding underground metro, bus and train is available in this one public transport app.

Here’s a quick look at some of the smart transportation technology available today:

  • GPS tracking and route information of public transport: This advanced vehicle tracking system enhances the operation and optimises public transportation. Offering real-time GPS tracking from mobile devices increases the reliability of public transportation and provides commuters with information such Journey Planner, Fares & Estimated times.
  • Geospatial-enabled efficient transportation system: This provides periodic traffic forecast and journey planning mobile application based on real time data.
  • Bicycle sharing system: A system of public shared bicycles that can help commuters with last mile connectivity or between frequently accessed points within the city. A smartphone can help map the availability of docking stations making it more feasible for citizens to use. Example: China’s billion-dollar bike sharing revolution has transformed the look and feel of cities around the country, with more than 100 million apps downloaded. These bikes are typically fitted with GPS locators to enable users to find them via the app. Bangalore and Pune are among the Indian cities that have implemented pilot bicycle sharing projects.
  • Integrated transit hubs: These hubs seamlessly connect multiple modes of transportation like metro rails, suburban train systems and bus networks.
  • Smart traffic lights: Smart traffic light technology can sense traffic conditions and atune traffic lights, to enable smooth flow of traffic.
  • Advanced traffic management: The presence of in-built GPS trackers and its integration with smartphones help identify road quality, traffic density and different route options for trip planning and improves breakdown response services for public transport.
  • Autonomous Vehicles and electric vehicles: While still at its nascent stage of development and adoption, autonomous and electric vehicles are rapidly advancing. These vehicles have inbuilt advanced systems to identify appropriate navigation paths, providing a stress-free commute. Electric vehicles are here to provide a non-polluting sustainable public transport solution.

*To know more refer to our previous article – https://www.vestian.com/us/blog/the-autonomous-impact/*
These are a few steps towards a smarter transport system,the implementation of these, an effective way to optimise existing transportation system and achieve better mobility. The future holds many more IOT & ICT based interventions which can help commuters, reduce traffic & pollution in the long term.

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