Real-Time Data Priorities of WiFi Connected Transit Fleets EXISTING DATA TRANSMISSION Currently, transit vehicles transmit a trickle of data for their operating agencies. While this data is useful, it is only a fraction of the information that can be collected. Data collection is still limited because it is transmitted at high cost via cellular internet or uploaded via WiFi or from memory cards when a vehicle returns to the garage or yard at the end of the day.
Cellular Internet
WiFi or Memory Card Upload at Garage
Expensive Limited Data
ISSUES
Infrequent (once a day)
WIFI CONNECTED FLEETS
Cost-Savings
Greater Amounts, More Detailed Data
Real-Time
With the inevitable ubiquity of WiFi network connected transit vehicles, there exists the potential to dramatically increase data transmission capacity, and apply the information in real-time to help improve transit. The purpose of this project is to understand and prioritize the real-time data needs of transit agencies within future WiFi network connected bus fleets.
METHODOLOGY RESEARCH on current bus data collection, potential application of real-time data in connected networks, and transit agencies with the largest bus fleets.
ONLINE SURVEY distributed to staff of transit agencies working in bus operations, planning or data management/analysis.
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OBJECTIVES DRIVING DATA PRIORITIES
1. Increase Ridership
2. Improve On-Time Performance
3. Reduce Operating Costs
OTHER OBSERVATIONS • Multiple survey respondents expressed intersted in current passenger loads and more accurate real-time location. • One brought up concerns beyond data collection capacity and timeliness:
1. Anti-bunching Feedback System
MOST VALUABLE REAL-TIME DATA APPLICATIONS
“What about cost, maintenance, or power? Buses are currently over-taxed when it comes to power consumption.”
2. Dynamic Rerouting
3. Bus Stop Requests
NEXT STEPS CONTINUED SURVEY OUTREACH Preliminary findings are based on a small sample of agencies. More respondents are need to better understand data needs.
DATA ANALYSIS When surveying is complete, a descriptive analysis will be conducted to identify bus transit data priorities.
Icons from www.thenounproject.com created by Simple Icons, Azis, hunotika, Ryan Beck, João Marcelo Ribeiro, Richard de Vos, and Brennan Novak.
FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEWS These will provide more insight on the survey responses.
Faculty Advisor: Juan Matute Client: Veniam
CAMILLE GUIRIBA UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs