Why passenger information is now a top priority for transportation operators

The centrality of passenger information to the operations of transportation providers hinges on one core objective: ensuring customer satisfaction and enhancing the overall experience of passengers.

The evolution of the traveler’s profile

Today's travelers are evolving, marked by their heightened connectivity, elevated expectations, and the need for immediate information. This shift mirrors the changing demands of modern travelers who are habitually online and have come to favor swift and efficient access to information.

The rise of the connected, discerning traveler

The widespread availability of the internet has democratized information, while smartphones have transformed our interaction with technology. As a result, a new set of behaviors and expectations has emerged among travelers.

They now demand a level of comprehensive management over their travels—from planning to arrival—right from their smartphones, insisting on selecting transport options, booking tickets, and receiving real-time updates on their journey through their mobile devices. This convenience has become a fundamental expectation.

Passenger intermodality

Intermodality in passenger travel involves the use of various transportation modes within a single journey. Travelers frequently switch between different transport means, with the transition points being crucial to a seamless experience.

Intermodality seeks to provide a more adaptable and sustainable travel option, less reliant on a single transport method. This concept has become a driving force for transportation operators to achieve higher levels of excellence and to prioritize passenger satisfaction.

Placing passenger satisfaction at the forefront

Against the backdrop of these new traveler profiles, delivering timely, relevant, and comprehensive passenger information is crucial, especially during service disruptions.

Disseminating real-time information is a significant contemporary challenge and must be accessible across all mediums utilized by passengers:

On smartphones
On board vehicles
At stations and stops

Comparing real-time and theoretical passenger information

There are two sides to passenger information: theoretical information and real-time information.

Theoretical information

Theoretical transport information is typically based on projected data, offering travelers consistent and stable information over time.

The General TransitFeed Specification (GTFS) has become the primary standard for organizing and sharing data about routes, stops, schedules, and lines.

By adopting GTFS, transport operators can effectively disseminate their data to both re-users and passengers, facilitating a transparent and efficient exchange of information.

Real-time information

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<p class="paragraph-73">Real-time information reflects the current conditions of transport services, including vehicle locations, expected wait times at stops, and any potential delays or cancellations.</p>
<p class="paragraph-73 margin-top">The most recognized standard for real-time data is GTFS-RT (or GTFS Realtime), an extension of GTFS that indicates deviations from the scheduled service.</p>
<p class="paragraph-73 margin-top">Its goal is to allow travelers to plan and modify their journeys with access to accurate and current traffic information.</p>
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Providing real-time information to passengers

The role of the operations support platform

To furnish passengers with up-to-the-minute details, transport companies must install a contemporary, on-board information and operational support system known as CAD/AVL. This system is uniquely able to produce live data.

The operations support platform operates directly within the vehicle, utilizing real-time data to fine-tune operational efficiency and deliver accurate, ongoing updates to passengers. It captures and evaluates various pieces of vehicle data, including real-time GPS locations and actual journey durations.

Operations support platform systems are dedicated to enhancing the delivery of information to passengers.

Integrating passenger information with GTFS Realtime

Pysae, as a operations support platform solution, incorporates several connectors for displaying real-time data, including GTFS Realtime.

With Pysae’s GTFS Realtime feed, passengers can access real-time information on their preferred mobile apps, such as:

Updated waiting times at stops
Real-time vehicle geolocation
Alerts and notifications for any disruptions

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<p class="paragraph-73">Pysae, a leading SaaS provider in the public transportation management sector, ensures that its clients have access to accurate operational data, advanced GPS navigation for drivers, and real-time passenger updates, enhancing the overall travel experience.</p>
<a href="https://web.pysae.com/en/schedule-a-demo?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Blog" class="button_success_p_plain w-button" style="margin-top: 15px">Book a demo</a>
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