Public transportation is crucial to relieving the burden on cities and reducing CO₂ emissions. More than 50% of city dwellers worldwide use public transportation, yet delays and inefficiencies are commonplace. Modern transportation technologies can solve these problems and make public transit more efficient. Intelligent systems, such as priority bus traffic lights, reduce travel times by up to 20%.
The development of local transport and its potential
Local transport has changed dramatically in recent years. Growing cities, more commuters and a focus on sustainability are increasing demand for efficient public transportation. In 2022 alone, the use of buses and trains worldwide increased by 30% compared to previous years. This creates great opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to enter the passenger transport business. New transportation solutions, such as on-demand buses or shuttle services, are in demand. However, the increase in use brings challenges, especially during rush hours.
Challenges and technical solutions
More vehicles on the road make traffic flow more difficult. One solution is to integrate systems that implement transit signal priority. Such technologies ensure that buses and trams receive preferential treatment at traffic lights, significantly reducing travel times. Studies show that these systems can increase the efficiency of public transit by up to 25%. Entrepreneurs who invest in smart mobility solutions can create competitive and sustainable transportation services.
Intelligent traffic light systems: a change for local transport
Intelligent traffic light systems significantly improve the reliability of public transport. Classic traffic light circuits are often rigid and do not adapt to traffic. Modern systems react in real time to traffic flows and prioritize buses and trams. Cities that have implemented such technologies report significant improvements. In Copenhagen, for example, smart traffic lights have reduced bus delays by 20%.
More safety and efficiency
In addition to saving time, intelligent traffic lights also contribute to road safety. Fewer traffic jams at intersections minimize the risk of accidents and ensure smoother traffic flow. Operators of local public transport systems benefit from more plannable processes, which in turn increases passenger satisfaction. For companies investing in mobility solutions, new business opportunities are opening up. The market for integrated transportation technologies is growing and offers great potential for innovative service providers.
Data analysis: a key to optimization
Data-driven approaches are revolutionizing modern mass transit, making it more efficient and reliable. GPS-based systems and IoT technologies enable operators to collect and evaluate real-time data. This information provides insights into traffic situations, delays and vehicle utilization. This allows operators to optimize routes, adjust timetables and react quickly to unexpected events. An outstanding example of the use of such technologies is Singapore. The city has developed a fully integrated transportation system that combines real-time data from buses, trains and road traffic. This data enables dynamic control of traffic flows and significantly reduces travel times.
Data-driven strategies in Singapore
In Singapore, the introduction of smart transportation technologies has led to impressive results. The Intelligent Transport System (ITS) uses sensors and cameras to analyze traffic patterns and prevent congestion. Buses and trains are optimized through accurate demand forecasting, minimizing passenger waiting times. Predictive analytics, a core element of the system, forecasts peak times and enables optimal vehicle distribution. After just a few years, Singapore was able to achieve a 92% improvement in on-time performance and reduce travel times by an average of 15%.
Technology for environmentally friendly local transport
Public transport offers an effective way to reduce CO₂ emissions and make cities more sustainable. A fully occupied bus can replace up to 50 cars, reducing CO₂ emissions per trip by about 37%. According to a study by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), cities could save up to 300 million tons of CO₂ per year by expanding public transport. Electric and hybrid buses make an important contribution here. An e-bus saves up to 90 tons of CO₂ annually compared to a diesel bus.
Technology as a driver for reducing emissions
The use of smart transportation technologies reinforces these effects. Intelligent traffic light systems that optimize traffic flow reduce unnecessary downtime and thus lower fuel consumption by up to 20 %. Systems that use real-time data improve the efficiency of bus fleets by minimizing empty runs. In London, the introduction of hybrid buses has achieved a 20 % reduction in particulate matter, significantly improving air quality in the city.
