4 minute read
Multimodal solutions
The Green Center’s research and development department has recently focused on the development of solutions for the multimodal transport of people – one of the key aspects of smart cities
Words | Petr Fejfárek, Green Center, Czech Republic
In multimodal transport systems, different means of transport are used to ensure maximum effectiveness of the whole system. Smart applications can, after parameters have been entered, determine ideal routes, points of transfer, means of transport, etc. This assessment also includes information about how financially advantageous and time-efficient individual transport options are. Then the user can decide which route is currently the best for him or her.
In an ideal world, such applications can also be used to book related services. For example, it may enable the reservation of tickets for public transport, the ordering of a taxi or reservation of a rental bike. All services can be paid for easily via a single non-cash payment.
A system based on parking
Parking lots and garages are an integral part of multimodal transport. Therefore, parking lot technology must be prepared to connect to the system. Green Center products are fully prepared for integration into multimodal transport systems.
The GP4P parking system can become the basis of the multimodal transport parking segment. This parking system was developed with a special focus on its maximum possible openness so that it could be integrated easily into third-party systems. A standardized application interface is used for the interconnection. This interface allows two-way communication with other systems.
The data interface can also be used for the exchange of data between the parking system and the multimodal transport portal. For the multimodal transport, the most important data is primarily the data on vacant parking spaces. Via the application, drivers can obtain information on the present occupancy situation of individual parking lots. The application can guide drivers to specific parking facilities, and is also able to
Above: Smart technology
enables remote reservation of parking spaces as well as real-time information about availability
predict the number of vacant parking spaces on arrival, based on historical data.
Easy booking
The parking system’s interface enables online reservation from any electronic device that has an internet connection. After the booking has been made, a barcode is generated, which is used in the place of a standard parking ticket. The code can be delivered to the customer by email or displayed directly on the mobile device. The related parking fee can be paid immediately in the application or later in the automatic or manual pay station.
A more user-friendly option for entering a reserved car lot is to use a PIN. After the reservation has been made, the PIN is sent to the customer’s cell phone or email address. The customer enters the code via a numeric keypad installed at the entrance to the parking lot. The terminal prints a parking card featuring the parameters entered during the reservation.
A chip using near-field communication (NFC) contactless technology can be used as an alternative identifier. Nowadays, many devices are equipped with NFC chips, including credit cards, cell phones and wearable electronic devices. The device can be matched with the reservation, enabling the customer to use it as an alternative to a parking ticket upon entering the parking lot. The device can also be used for other services, with payments added up and then made together when paying for parking.
If the parking system is also equipped with a camera system designed for license plate recognition, customers can be offered a highly convenient way of using a reserved parking space. Drivers who enter their license plate number during the reservation process can enjoy fully automated entry and exit, without having to use parking cards or codes.
Points of transfer
Other elements can be added to the parking system to develop parking lots into multimodal points of transfer – places where travelers switch between modes of transport. At these places, users can be offered an extensive range of services and they can decide from several transport alternatives.
Lately, the number of electric-car owners has increased. To cater for these drivers, a charging station could be installed in the parking lot. It can be integrated into the existing parking system and controlled by a parking media reader.
Another perhaps overlooked group is motorcycle drivers, but a specialized solution can be applied to provide them with a more advantageous tariff. Motorcycles and cars share an entry lane with built-in induction loops. These can detect and recognize one- and two-track vehicles, enabling different tariffs to be allocated to them.
The parking lot can also become a hub for bike sharing, with the installation of stands for individual bicycles. Each stand would be equipped with a media reader identical to the one used for car parking. If an NFC identifier is used within the system, car-sharing services can be integrated.
Information regarding all the service offerings is recorded centrally on a multimodal transport database. All the data held is considered when assessing optimum transport alternatives. It also enables users to reserve, order and pay for services immediately.
Green Center has been working on the development of its own portal for the multimodal transport system.
When making calculations, the portal should consider variables including historical transport data, the current traffic situation and different transport options. To obtain an optimum transport solution, various input parameters can be entered using a highly intuitive user environment. Third-party portals can also be used, because Green Center products use standardized communication interfaces, meaning they can be easily and conveniently integrated into virtually all existing installations. n
Above: Users of Green Center’s parking
