Contents
Introduction:
Port Blair Smart City, the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is a hub for tourists, and therefore it requires efficient transport services. The Port Blair Smart Projects Limited (PBSPL) was formed in 2017 to implement smart city projects in the area, with the goal of doubling the tourist inflow in the next five years. PBSPL, through BEL, awarded Masstrans Technologiies the contract for Smart Transport Management System (STMS) to improve the public transport system and increase the modal share of public transport from 30% to 50%.
Masstrans Technologiies STMS Offerings:
Masstrans Technologiies has offered an efficient and smart transportation system that includes information, communication, and control technologies. The STMS is perfectly aligned with the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide smoother ground transit. The Masstrans Bus Shelter sign makes it easy for tourists and local commuters to travel smartly with public transport in Port Blair.
STMS Implementation:
Masstrans Technologiies has provided the following services to PBSPL for STMS implementation:
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
The Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) designed for smart cities is intended to provide convenience and ease for passengers in both private and public transportation organizations within the bus transport sector. The ITS system enhances the everyday commute by providing a back-end dashboard and hardware integrated solution that ensures an all-round solution for easy transit. The system also serves as a centralized live feed to vehicle drivers, offering options for vehicle tracking and health diagnostics.
ITS system consists of the following:
Mobile Network Video Recorder (MNVR/MDVR) is a specialized system designed for vehicle video surveillance and remote monitoring, with the additional functionality of Passenger Information System (PIS) management. This system supports not only video recording in various formats but also recording of vehicle travel information and wireless data upload. It is easy to use, with a simple design, multiple functions, superior anti-vibration, anti-electromagnetic interference, radiation protection, hard disk storage and flexible installation options.
Video Surveillance System
Video surveillance systems provide a comprehensive security solution that help prevent crime, avoid mishaps, hold human resources accountable, and ensure commuter safety under a vigilant monitoring system. These systems are prompt, sensitive and they come with diverse features that serve to increase passenger goodwill, making the transport system more secure and easily adaptable.
Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, which are high-definition cameras, are used to record the activities in the vehicle. The images are then compressed in the camera itself before being sent to the server for backup.
Multi-functional monitor is a control panel that features a 7-inch screen display and can operate the MNVR/MDVR menu. Additionally, when the driver reverses the bus, the panel automatically switches from normal recording to the reversing live view, providing a seamless transition for the driver.
Speakers & Microphones are accessories that can be used for emergency situations in public transport systems. They are utilized to address passengers during unforeseen incidents. In addition to their emergency functions, speakers and microphones can also be used to promote in-bus media and promotional ads to passengers, while performing their main function of announcing next & current stops.
Passenger Information System is a display system that informs and guides passengers through current and approaching destinations during their journey. It enhances passenger safety by providing necessary information and also acts as a promotional display source by playing advertisements intermittently. In addition to the display system, the audio system is well-synchronized and plays the communication displayed on the screen for clarity of information and better passenger attention.
Automatic Vehicle Location System (AVLS) and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) solution along with Scheduling and Planning:
ETA Calculation Engine provides the end-user with available bus data and estimated time of arrival at a specific location. It does that with the help of the Dispatch system & Vehicle location system.
Dispatch System is critical for recording which buses are available on which route numbers at a specific time, along with their direction of travel. For instance, the system can record that Bus number XX-XX-XXXX is running on Route YY from Origin A to Destination B at 8:00 AM.
Vehicle Location System provides real-time records of the geographical information of buses by using GPS devices fitted on the buses.
Our MIS system integrates the current systems and newly developed customized modules into a single system. The system is a web-based application with central data stored on the cloud/server. The users of the system (PBSCL staff and Fleet Operators) will be able to access the data based on defined business rules and user roles and rights.
Mobile Application for passengers:
Based on android platform the application facilitates access to various services, including the ability to search for bus routes between two points, search for bus routes from the user’s current location to a particular destination, search for routes based on destination station and route number, search for nearby buses, view all buses on a map with their respective route numbers, save favourite stations with custom labelling for easy access, view the stations falling between two points, view the stations falling between the source and destination of a specific route, and view the estimated time of arrival for a specific boarding and destination point on the route details page.
The Mobile application would allow the users to book/purchase:
- Monthly passes with Route and value as per the PBSCL rate chart
- Tickets for single Journeys as per the PBSCL rate charts
- Bonafide Students concession passes for schools and colleges
Mobile Ticketing solution for PBSCL:
Our Solution allows the Mobile user to pay fare to PBSCL & avail fare facilities for the M-ticket solution.
The ticketing system comprises of:
- A mobile software application
- A web-based Authenticating and processing Software Application
- Payment gateway utility
- Merchant account
The Web application features (for PBSCL admin Users):
The web application can be used for the PBSCL admin users to view the complete booking history and to view the student’s applications which need to be processed for Bonafide concession passes. Daily/Monthly passes and tickets transactions can be easily viewed too.
Benefits of the solution:
The M-ticketing solution provides immense benefits to both the commuters and PBSCL.
For commuters, the solution eliminates the need to stand in queues for passes and to carry cash or change, and tickets can be generated at any time for convenience, whether at home or while travelling.
For PBSCL, the solution simplifies the ticket and cash collection process, eliminating the need for cash handling and the associated worry of change money. The solution also saves time for conductors and waybill accounting at the end of the trip. Additionally, real-time ticket sales are available over the web interface, and there is no overhead cost for paper or handheld devices, nor maintenance cost for devices. Ticket stock maintenance and reconciliation is no longer required. Furthermore, no additional infrastructure in terms of manpower, hardware, or software. The solution provides a web-based route-wise, denomination-wise ready report on a day-to-day basis, and a route-wise, conductor-wise, duty-wise collection report could be readily printed. In the second phase, trip-wise reports would be made available.
Impact:
Masstrans Technologiies’ STMS has provided the following benefits to PBSPL:
- Improved Public Transport System:
The STMS has made the public transport system in Port Blair more efficient and reliable, making it easier for tourists to travel within the city.
- Increased Modal Share of Public Transport:
The STMS has contributed to increasing the modal share of public transport from 30% to 50%, reducing the use of personal vehicles and promoting sustainable mobility.
- Improved Last Mile Connectivity:
The STMS has improved the last mile connectivity by providing real-time information to passengers at bus stops, allowing them to plan their travel accordingly.
Conclusion:
Masstrans Technologiies has successfully implemented the Smart Transport Management System for the Port Blair Smart City project, contributing to the growth and development of the city’s tourism industry. The STMS has improved the public transport system, increased the modal share of public transport, and provided smart amenities to passengers, making travel within the city more comfortable and efficient.