Automated Fare Collection System for Public Transport

Automated passenger counting APC

Automated passenger counting (APC) is an essential element in monitoring the workload and occupancy of vehicles. This allows carriers to better plan connections, use their resources more effectively and thus reduce running costs. Although certain information about the number of passengers carried can be provided by fare collection system, this information is inaccurate to some degree or another, depending on the method of fare collection. Passenger counting systems provide carriers with structured and accurate data on how many passengers used which services and where they travel to and from.

The data obtained can then be processed, displayed and analysed using pre-defined functions. It is also possible to define special parameters for evaluation.

Actual counting is usually done using optical sensors placed by the doors. The sensor recognises whether a passenger is getting on or off and internal electronics do the calculations and gather data about occupancy of the vehicle. Advanced intelligence ensures reliable data even in situations that are not so clear, such as two people getting on at the same time, group movement and people moving within the door area to free up space for others.

AVL and dispatching

Automatic vehicle location (AVL) and dispatching are instruments for the operative management of a transport system. Even a well-designed and optimised system must be continuously managed and adjusted to suit the current situation. What is more, AVL is an essential requirement for the proper functioning of a real time passenger information system.

With Mikroelektronika’s AVL systems, an operator has a perfect overview of vehicle movement. Our system automatically monitors and evaluates all the required parameters: route, speed, deviations from the timetable and so on. If there are any deviations, the system will inform you so that you can respond to any extraordinary situation.

Passenger Information Systems (PIS) are closely linked to AVL and dispatching. Passengers are informed in real time of departures, delays, stops, transfers and other facts and situations and a dispatcher can provide a whole range of other information to passengers and drivers using the information system. About route changes, for example, changes in mode of transport as a result of various events, happenings or extraordinary situations.

There is a whole range of factors that should be monitored to ensure problemfree operation of the whole system with minimal maintenance costs. Monitoring devices can also be used to increase employee and passenger safety and, last but not least, to eliminate vandalism.