Company newsletter of init AG, Karlsruhe for customers, business partners, investors, employees and friends Fare Management Made Easy. Buses in Gießen with INIT Ticketing System. 2 3 4 Innovative > Statistical information on your smartphone. Informative > Ticketing system for Gießen, Germany. > Hanau implements ticketing 3/2010 The bus operator of the Gießen area, MIT.BUS GmbH, has partnered with INIT to build a highly modern ticketing system. As the first company within the Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV), MIT.BUS GmbH decided for INIT s ticket printer with integrated on-board computer, EVENDpc. All 55 buses of the MIT.BUS GmbH will be equipped with the modern IT platform by the summer of 2011. E-Ticketing based on the German standard VDV core application will function efficiently using the integrated reader for contactless smart cards. This makes Gießen buses perfectly equipped for the RMV s modernising plans. Continued on page 3 system with added value. International 5 > New York City Transport equips more vehicles with INIT technology. Dear Transportation Professional, Interesting Intelligent ticketing solutions prevail because they allow not only for state-of- maxim. New York City Transport is an example we are reporting about in this 6/7 8 8 8 > INIT subsidiary founded in the United Kingdom. > San Diego/USA counts passengers with MOBILE-APC. > Events Imprint Index the-art electronic fare management, but also offer true added value. This is substantiated, for example, by our customers in Gießen and Hanau, who will implement our ticketing system providing them with an intelligent overall solution. Like in all other projects, we aim to be a stable and reliable partner for our customers as we believe in long-term partnerships. Follow up orders are one proof that verifies the success of this > Dr. Gottfried Greschner, Chief Executive Officer init AG issue. Editorial Partnerships are also about being close geographically. With this, we have strengthened our UK team through the foundation of the subsidiary: INIT Ltd. As a result, the team will be able to further enhance their support for UK transport providers helping them to make public transport more efficient and more attractive. In doing so, our new statistics application for smartphones, MOBILEdash, can be of help. This tool stands side by side with other mobile applications we recently developed because we also believe that for public transport, mobile phones will be an indispensable part of the future. Dr. Gottfried Greschner
Operational Performance at a Glance. MOBILEdash provides users with statistical data on their smart phone and enables them to initiate measures instantly. That means that the exact person to contact is predefined depending on the key performance indicator one is actually viewing. Technical Background. > MOBILEdash provides information on fleet performance anywhere and anytime. With MOBILEdash statistical information on fleet operation is extracted from a database backend, such as INIT s MOBILEstatistics. The exported data is put on the company s web server. No intermediate provider or app store is required. A mobile device loads this data together with the MOBILEdash s application web pages. Optimised graphics rendering and interactive navigation functionality is provided on the mobile device. Innovative We live in an information society. Our life s motto is anywhere, anytime, anything : all information has to be available in an instant. The Internet and internet-enabled smart phones already make this possible in many areas. In other areas this flexibility is demanded comprehensive information, anytime, anywhere. This is exactly what MOBILEdash offers for public transport providers. Thanks to the clear display of the smart phone application, managers can see the quality of their operational performance at a glance. Flexible, Clear, Easy. MOBILEdash offers quick statistical analysis on your pc or on your smart phone. The web application runs within a web browser and provides daily reports on the operational performance of the vehicle fleet. The operational performance is displayed as performance indicators like punctuality, vehicle defects, MOBILEdash not only shows the current status, but also shows performance indicators with trends for comparison of operational performance over time. This makes it easier to interpret the data of the current performance. Using a traffic light metaphor ensures clear handling as well as easy interpretation of statistical data. Thus, the user can easily detect problems via the colour of the traffic light and then dive into data in order to pinpoint a problem at the core. Initiating Measures Directly from the Smart Phone. MOBILEdash integrates with the phone s communication capabilities, e.g. mail, text messages and calls. It enables the user to comfortably inform staff to take action based on the information from MOBILEdash s reports via mobile phone. MOBILEdash provides context sensitive delegation. > MOBILEdash: overview and context sensitive delegation. Giving precise statistical data at the touch of a finger, MOBILEdash is the ideal tool for transport companies that want to enhance the efficiency of their fleet. Christina Greschner Tel. +49.721.6100.152 cgreschner@init-ka.de 2 3/2010
Gießen Relies on Future-Oriented Concept. Ticket printer with integrated on-board computer also supports regional E-ticketing system. Continued from page 1 year, RMV intends to introduce E- Ticketing based on the German standard VDV core application level 2 in all of its transport companies. This includes the ability for passengers to travel through the entire RMV area with a single ticket. EVENDpc is the ideal platform for all ticketing practices and thus perfectly equipped for the concept of the MIT.BUS GmbH and RMV. Economic Data Supply. > MIT.BUS GmbH equips their buses with the latest generation of ticketing systems. In the upcoming months, INIT will build a complete electronic fare management system for the MIT.BUS GmbH in Gießen. The wholly-owned subsidiary of the Stadtwerke Gießen is the local bus operator for the Gießen area. Besides the integrated ticket printer/ on-board computer EVENDpc, the clearing and background system, MOBILEvario, and the data supply software, MOBILE-PLAN basis, will be deployed. With yet another comprehensive ticketing system, INIT proves again their outstanding performance in fare management for public transport. Integrated Vehicle Intelligence. INIT s EVENDpc will be deployed on all 55 buses of the MIT.BUS GmbH. The ticket printer with integrated onboard computer controls all peripheral devices in the vehicle. Besides ticket sales, it also manages vehicle autonomous localisation. EVENDpc passes on the current position to the destination signs and the passenger information displays inside the bus and sends messages for traffic signal priority. Speech radio is also realised via the existing PMR and is controlled in the vehicle by the EVENDpc. To control the radio device, INIT deploys the radio interface MOBILE-MRI. Audio announcements in the vehicle are created by the EVENDpc on the basis of MP3 data and are transferred to the vehicle speakers via the highend vehicle amplifier. EVENDpc also provides an integrated high-speed thermo printer. Paper change is easily facilitated thanks to the easypaper-handling of the printer. Ready for E-Ticketing on Basis of the VDV Core Application. With the integrated reader for contactless smart cards, MIT.BUS GmbH is perfectly equipped for the modernising plans in the Rhein-Main- Verkehrsverbund (RMV). Over the next > EVENDpc also allows for future enhancements. Data Supply between vehicles and the control centre is realised via GPRS mobile radio. Thanks to low mobile radio tariffs, GPRS is an economic possibility for mass data transfer. At the same time, transport companies save costs for their own WLAN infrastructure in the depots. Outlook. With this system, the MIT.BUS GmbH is also perfectly prepared for any future enhancements. For example, when it comes to real-time passenger information, EVENDpc is a complete on-board computer that provides the necessary positioning data and schedule adherence. No additional investments are necessary for this functionality. Armin Fettinger Tel. +49.721.6100.117 afettinger@init-ka.de Innovative 3/2010 3
Hanau Decides for a High-Capacity Ticket Printer Offering Added Value. EVENDpc: The combination of ticket printer and vehicle IT-platform conquers the heart of Europe. MOBILEvario to allow for smooth electronic fare collection processes. But HSB wanted more than a futureoriented ticketing system. For this reason EVENDpc was able to score as well as an IT-platform simplifying future system enhancements. Already in the current project, the ticket printer will take over ITS functionality and control the onboard next stop announcements. Its integrated announcing module made additional investments unnecessary. Modular Concept Allows Further Extensions. Informative > Just convincing: The forward-looking system concept will allow for enhancements with minimal effort. Soon, the buses of the Hanauer Straßenbahn GmbH will run with a capable electronic fare management system from INIT. Hence, INIT ticketing machines are to be established in the heart of Europe given that Hanau is geographical in the centre of the European Union since their eastwards enlargement in 2007. 54 buses of the Hanauer Straßenbahn GmbH (HSB) will be equipped with EVENDpc. The decision for INIT s multi-talent was taken after a trial with several vendors. Thereby EVENDpc was able to convince as a high-capacity allin-one solution for ticketing as well as for ITS functionality and impressed with the excellent support it provides to drivers. The expert team of the public transport authority of Hanau praised the great usability of the device and appreciated that drivers can get all relevant information at one glance. This applies for example to the schedule adherence that was rated very helpful in striving for a more in time service. Set-Up for the Future. Supported by the EVENDpc, drivers will be able to handle all ticketing tasks comfortably and fast. Thanks to the speedy thermo-printer, tickets are printed in no time at all and the bus can continue its trip. Dwell times will also be reduced due to the implementation of the second level of the E-Ticketing system for the whole network of the Rhein-Main- Verkehrsverbund (RMV) which HSB belongs to. The second level calls for electronic time tickets, based on the second level of the VDV core application, that have to be presented when passengers board a bus. For an easy validation of these tickets, INIT will integrate the existing get>>in system of the RMV into their vehicle equipment. In addition to the buses, EVENDpc will be deployed in 17 pre-sales units. All ticketing devices will be managed by the back office system The next stop announcements are a good example for the benefits the modular system concept of the integrated ITS and Ticketing system MOBILE offers. As it allows all components to be deployed standalone or integrated into an intelligent overall solution. Even a gradual system extension is possible. Since 2006, the Hanauer Straßenbahn GmbH has been working with the scheduling and block building software MOBILE-PLAN. Now it can be upgraded easily with the module multimedia data centre that plans and manages next stop announcements. In the course of the ongoing programme to redesign Hanau s city centre the implementation of a system for operations control, realtime passenger information and the speed up of traffic flow is planned. The new vehicle equipment means an optimal preparation for that. Armin Fettinger Tel. +49.721.6100.117 afettinger@init-ka.de 4 3/2010
INIT Takes Another Bite from the Big Apple. More vehicles to be navigated through the urban jungle of New York City with INIT technology. > Localisation and navigation in the most difficult conditions: Second follow-up order proves INIT s performance. New York City Transit (NYCT) reflections off tall buildings. To services over 130,000 registered customers with disabilities using solve this problem, INIT combines GPS with a gyroscope sensor and their shared ride, door-to-door uses a highly sophisticated paratransit service, Access-A-Ride. algorithm that matches the computed NYCT's paratransit service operates position to the street network. This 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. allows for accurate positioning even To improve service and increase when GPS signals are obstructed. efficiency, INIT s Intermodal Transport Control System MOBILE- ITCS was implemented in 2005. Moreover, the compact on-board computer with integrated mobile data terminal, COPILOTtouch, was installed in over 1,100 of NYCT s Access-A-Ride vehicles. Exact Localisation Even Under Bad Conditions. The solution from INIT gives NYCT more efficient real-time control as well as accurate vehicle positioning. True vehicle positioning in urban canyons, much like lower Manhattan, is a challenge due to the limited visibility of GPS satellites and signal Number of Equipped Vehicles Doubled. After an interim enhancement to 1,822 equipped vehicles, another order to outfit 451 more vehicles from the Access-A-Ride fleet was recently awarded to INIT. This renewed sign of confidence proves that INIT technology gives a convincing performance even under challenging conditions, and is expression for the good partnership between NYCT and INIT. Upon completion of the installation, INIT will have equipped 2,273 of NYCT's paratransit vehicles. > Limited or reflected GPS signals: not a problem for INIT s high-capacity dead reckoning. Norbert Trembacz Tel. +49.721.6100.114 ntrembacz@init-ka.de Informative 3/2010 5
INIT Opens a New Chapter of its Success Story in the UK. New subsidiary INIT Ltd celebrated its Grand Opening in Nottingham with international guests. > The official ribbon cutting of INIT Innovations in Transportation Ltd. INIT is strengthening its position in UK for over 10 years and opened its He highlighted the excellent the UK public transport market by establishing their subsidiary in first UK office back in 2005. With INIT s headquarter situated in relationship and longstanding cooperation between Karlsruhe and Nottingham INIT Innovations in Karlsruhe, the excellent relationship Nottingham. He then went on to Transportation Ltd. Founding this between Karlsruhe and its twin city reference the two cities collabo- latest subsidiary expresses INIT s Nottingham gave INIT Ltd one of many ration which included the planning of strategy to further localise customer reasons for the company s location the Nottingham tram system Informative service in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. The official Grand Opening was commemorated on October 12, 2010. INIT Innovations in Transportation Limited s premises are located in the heart of Nottingham on Lace Market, nevertheless the new subsidary was launched in the beautiful historical surrounding of Wollaton Hall. Guests included local officials, representatives from INIT Germany, as well as business partners and customers of INIT Ltd. from the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. Enhanced Local Support for Successful Projects. Well known for their sophisticated technology as well as dedication in offering a stable and dependable service, INIT has been thriving in the choice. Local authorities from both cities have been parti-cularly encouraging in their support for INIT. Additionally, Nottingham is in close proximity to many of INIT s UK projects. Local projects include trent barton s Mango E-Ticketing scheme with contactless smart cards on 278 vehicles, as well as Nottingham City Transport s multi-client capable Intermodal Transport Control and Real-time Passenger Information System with integrated PMR voice and data which is currently being implemented. Warm Welcome from Nottingham s Representatives. Jim Taylor, former Director of the Development and City Planning at Nottingham City Council, acted as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. supported by Karlsruhe s transport authority. During the Grand Opening, Dr. Jürgen Greschner, Chief Sales Officer of init AG, welcomed guests on behalf of the company and gave an overview of > Wollanton Hall was an excellent location for the Grand Opening. 6 3/2010
of integrated transport systems when it comes to matters such as Concessionary Fare Schemes. > INIT Ltd s premises are located at Lace Market in Nottingham. Mark Fowles, Managing Director of Nottingham City Transport (NCT), represented INIT s customers at the event. He welcomed the set up of the INIT subsidiary in Nottingham and spoke about the three key factors important to passengers: reliability, frequency and comfort. NCT translates comfort as ease of use and availability of information for passengers. With this, they plan to implement RTPI via mobile phones with the support of INIT. Mark Fowles believes that mobile phones are the future for passenger information as well as for fare collection. INIT. As a provider of integrated telematics and ticketing solutions, INIT operates in 17 countries around the world. With more than 400 projects successfully realised, INIT works together with over 300 transport providers and has equipped more than 35,000 vehicles over the past 27 years. Jens Mullak, Managing Director of INIT Innovations in Transportation Ltd. explained: The aim of the new INIT subsidiary is to provide localised service for public transport companies in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. To follow, he also shared his understanding of how INIT s innovative solutions perfectly match the UK transport providers business cases including enhancing efficiency of fleet operation. Being on Site Supported Successful Realisation. Also speaking at INIT s launch, on behalf of Nottingham City Council, was Councillor Alan Clark. He too stressed the benefits of Nottingham s and Karlsruhe s twinning arrangement. He praised Nottingham s RTPI technology provided by INIT and reported how surprised passengers in Nottingham are when they don t find similar facilities in other cities. Finally, he pointed out the importance > To support transport providers in making public transport more efficient and more attractive is the declared aim of Jens Mullak, Managing Director of INIT Ltd. Mobile Applications are the Future. This is a trend that INIT also sees as the future. This reflected the products exhibited during the Grand Opening which showcased state-ofthe art cashless ticketing machines. The latest technology for cashless payments is barcode tickets on passengers mobile phones which are used by simply waving them to the barcode reader on the bus or tram. Another solution presented allows for real time information to be obtained by taking a photograph of the barcodes printed on bus shelter timetables. However, these were only some examples of the sophisticated systems INIT customers have deployed worldwide. Following the ribbon cutting, the wonderful evening was enjoyed with guests finding out more of the benefits offered by INIT and dinner which was dominated by interesting discussions. Jens Mullak Tel. +44.870.890.4648 jmullak@init.co.uk International 3/2010 7
San Diego Partners with INIT for APC Project. Efficient vehicle deployment and better service for passengers thanks to reliable counting. and off as they would with other system concepts. The on-board computer COPILOTpc records GPS coordinates and then the sophisticated data matching software called Data Validation Module (DVM) compares the GPS data with the nominal route and scheduling data. Thanks to the exact data and the statistic evaluation, MTS can determine weak points on the route or in the planning system and initiate target-oriented counter measures. Hence, with this new technology, the transport company can optimally deploy its resources in the future. Interesting 8 3/2010 > Exact passenger figures is what San Diego gets from MOBILE-APC. INIT has recently signed a contract with San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) to equip 65 light rail vehicles with INIT s advanced transportation technology. The contract calls for the installation of INIT s Automatic Passenger Counting sensors IRMA Basic, INIT s on-board computers COPILOT-pc and on the dispatch side the statistics software MOBILEstatistics. The light rail system operated by MTS is commonly called The Trolley. Reliable Counting Data. MTS will utilise INIT s IRMA Basic sensor technology to accurately count passengers and efficiently manage their light rail fleet. IRMA Basic is Published by: init innovation in traffic systems AG Editors: Andrea Mohr-Braun (Editor-in-chief), Alexander Baudendistel, Gisela Krieger, Ann Derby, Anke Ost extremely accurate (to 95%) and generates precise results using highresolution infrared technology. INIT s on-board computer COPILOTpc will record counting results and securely transfer the counts through Wireless LAN to INIT s statistics software, MOBILEstatistics. The new technology will give MTS the ability to better manage their light rail fleet and efficiently plan service making the most use of their resources. With an interface to an existing reporting tool MTS will get statistical data in a userfriendly graphical report. Besides the incomparably high counting accuracy of the INIT system, an important fact for MTS is that their drivers do not have to log on Design: Ücker & Partner Werbeagentur GmbH Print Layout: Alexander Baudendistel Print: Engelhardt und Bauer, Druck und Verlagsgesellschaft mbh About San Diego MTS. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is the public transport service provider for San Diego County. It is commonly referred to as The Trolley. Light rail service provided by MTS is among the most utilised systems in terms of patronage in the United States. Over 90,000 passengers typically ride the Trolley each weekday. Norbert Trembacz Tel. +49.721.6100.114 ntrembacz@init-ka.de 27 28 January 2011 Verkehrsplanung und Verkehrssicherheit, Breidenbach & Frost in Stuttgart, Germany 21 23 February 2011 5. ÖPNV Innovationskongress in Freiburg, Germany 23 24 March 2011 BEKA-Seminar ITCS in Darmstadt, Germany 10 13 April 2011 59 th UITP World Congress and Exhibition in Dubai, UAE Editorial Office: init AG, Kaeppelestrasse 4-6 76131 Karlsruhe - Germany Tel. +49.721.6100.113 Fax +49.721.6100.399 www.init-ka.de / www.initag.de redaktion@initag.de Events Imprint