Data and connectivity are reshaping urban transport, making it smarter, faster, and more sustainable by improving routes, cutting congestion, and enhancing travel for everyone, writes Surya Khurana, Managing Director at FlixBus India.
Data is often referred to as the “new oil,” and in the context of urban mobility, this metaphor holds true. The vast amount of data generated by urban transportation systems-from travel patterns and traffic congestion to passenger preferences and vehicle performance can provide critical insights into how cities move and operate. In an era of rapid urbanization, the challenge of maintaining efficient and sustainable urban mobility has become more pronounced. As urban populations continue to grow, so does the demand for reliable, convenient, and environmentally friendly transportation. At the heart of solving this complex challenge lies the transformative potential of data management and connectivity. These two pillars, when strategically harnessed, can revolutionize urban mobility systems by optimizing transportation networks, enhancing passenger experiences, and improving operational efficiency.
As cities become denser, traditional transportation models struggle to keep pace with the increasing demand. Urban mobility is no longer just about moving people from point A to point B; it requires a dynamic, responsive, and interconnected system that anticipates and adapts to changing patterns. This is where data management and connectivity can reshape how we approach urban transportation.
Analysing travel patterns and optimising route planning
India’s transportation system is a mix of public, private, and intermediate transport modes. According to reports, the current size of the transportation market in India is estimated to be worth around US$100 billion. To handle such a big market, it is important to have an efficient and systematic process in place. With advanced data management systems, transportation authorities can gain a deeper understanding of how, when, and why people move across the city. This includes identifying peak travel times, popular routes, and areas where demand for transportation is underserved.
By analysing historical and real-time data, cities can also predict future travel demand with greater accuracy. For instance, predictive analytics can forecast traffic congestion or spikes in demand for public transport during specific events or seasons. This foresight enables transportation authorities to deploy additional resources when needed, such as adding more buses during rush hour or adjusting metro schedules during a city-wide event. Such demand-driven operations can reduce passenger wait times and optimize resource allocation.
Data-driven route planning offers significant improvements in terms of efficiency and passenger satisfaction. By continuously analysing traffic conditions, weather patterns, and passenger demand, transportation operators can optimize routes in real-time to ensure that vehicles avoid congestion and passengers experience minimal delays. One city that has leveraged the power of data management and connectivity to address this issue is Bengaluru. Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) introduced a mobile application powered by an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), aimed at providing passengers with both fixed and real-time information about BMTC bus services. This app enables users to effortlessly access bus timetables and route maps through a trip planner tool, enhancing convenience for commuters.
By equipping BMTC buses with GPS technology, the system offers real-time tracking of bus locations, allowing passengers to view their exact position and receive accurate estimated time of arrival (ETA) updates. Additionally, the app provides detailed information on approaching buses, including the bus number and the platform details, ensuring that passengers are well informed about which bus to board and from which platform. The primary objective behind developing this app was to make the BMTC bus experience more comfortable and efficient for passengers while promoting public transportation as a preferred travel option. Encouraged by the success of BMTC’s app, similar ITS-powered mobile applications are now being developed in other Indian cities, such as Ahmedabad, with the goal of enhancing urban mobility and encouraging more people to use public transport. This also proves that with real-time data inputs, buses can dynamically adjust their routes to avoid traffic jams or respond to a surge in passenger demand in certain areas. This level of operational flexibility not only reduces wait times but also improves the overall reliability of the service. Moreover, dynamic route optimization ensures that vehicles are operating at full capacity, reducing both fuel consumption and carbon emissions, thus contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.
Power of connectivity in creating an integrated mobility ecosystem
While data management offers insights and optimization opportunities, connectivity is the enabler that brings these insights to life. The concept of a connected urban mobility ecosystem revolves around the seamless integration of different transportation modes, enabled by real-time communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and passengers. Collaboration between private companies and public transit authorities can share valuable data on travel patterns, passenger demand, and operational efficiency can lead to better decision-making and service improvements across the entire mobility ecosystem.
Connectivity empowers passengers by providing them with real-time information that helps them make informed decisions about their journeys. For instance, a commuter could receive updates on traffic congestion or delays on public transit, allowing them to switch to an alternative mode of transport, such as a bike-sharing service or an electric scooter, to complete their journey.
Furthermore, connectivity facilitates the integration of payment systems across multiple modes of transport. With the rise of smart mobility apps, passengers can now plan, book, and pay for multimodal journeys using a single platform, enhancing convenience and encouraging the use of public transport. In the long term, connectivity could also enable more advanced solutions such as Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), where passengers pay a monthly subscription fee to access a range of transportation services, including buses, trains, car-sharing, and micro-mobility options. MaaS platforms would leverage connectivity to offer real-time route optimization, ensuring passengers always have access to the fastest and most efficient transport options.
Enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability
Operational efficiency and sustainability are two critical goals for modern urban mobility systems. With data management and connectivity working hand in hand, cities can achieve significant gains in both areas. The combination of real-time data and connectivity allows transport operators to streamline their operations by optimizing fleet management, vehicle maintenance, and resource allocation. For example, connected vehicles can transmit data on their performance and condition, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing the likelihood of breakdowns or service disruptions.
Data and connectivity also play a vital role in promoting sustainable mobility solutions, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and shared mobility services. By analyzing data on travel patterns and passenger preferences, cities can identify the most suitable locations for EV charging stations or bike-sharing hubs, ensuring that these services are easily accessible to urban residents.
Connectivity further supports sustainability by enabling smart traffic management systems that reduce congestion and emissions. For instance, traffic signals could be adjusted in real-time based on data from connected vehicles, optimizing traffic flow and reducing the environmental impact of urban transportation.
Conclusion
The future of urban mobility lies in the strategic harnessing of data management and connectivity. By leveraging data analytics to optimize transportation networks, predict demand, and offer personalized services, cities can enhance the passenger experience while improving operational efficiency. Moreover, connectivity will enable the creation of an integrated mobility ecosystem, where public and private transport providers collaborate to offer seamless, multimodal journeys.
As urban populations continue to grow, the need for intelligent, data-driven, and connected mobility solutions will become even more critical. By embracing these innovations, cities can not only improve the quality of life for their residents but also promote sustainable and efficient urban mobility for the future.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of FMM magazine.
Surya Khurana
Managing Director
FlixBus India