Introduction
The Passenger Information System market will be in a state of great transformation in 2023, due to a confluence of technological innovations, regulatory developments and changing consumer behaviour. The rapid integration of smart technologies such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence is enabling the Passenger Information System to deliver a wealth of new information and enhanced services to passengers. The increasing transparency and availability of public transport information will require transport operators to adopt more sophisticated systems. The increasing demand for a more unified and seamless travel experience is also putting pressure on operators to prioritise innovative solutions that cater to the growing tech-savvy population. This is why a thorough understanding of these trends is crucial for any stakeholder who is looking to navigate the complexities of the market and seize strategic growth opportunities.
Top Trends
- Integration of AI and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly being integrated into passenger information systems to enhance the real-time data processing. In Singapore, for example, the system has been developed to predict the flow of passengers, which can increase the service efficiency by up to 30%. The trend is expected to increase the quality of the travel experience and reduce the cost of operation for the operators.
- Enhanced Mobile Applications
The mainstay of Passenger Information Systems is the mobile phone. It provides the users with real-time information and a personalised service. The London Transport App, for example, has seen a 25 per cent increase in the number of active users since the real-time functionality was introduced. This trend will inevitably lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty. This will affect the development of future Apps.
- Focus on Sustainability
There is a growing concern for the environment in the field of travel information, with governments aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of their transport systems. In Amsterdam, for example, a 15 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions has been achieved by rescheduling routes and schedules. This trend will be reflected in future investment in green technology and sustainable transport solutions.
- Cloud-Based Solutions
The shift towards cloud-based passenger information systems is gaining ground, enabling scalability and flexibility. New York’s public transport system, for example, has benefited from the integration of cloud solutions, which have made data available and have enabled better collaboration between agencies. In the long run, this trend will probably lead to greater operational efficiency and lower the cost of IT systems.
- Real-Time Data Analytics
Real-time data analysis is becoming an essential tool for improving passenger information systems, enabling better decision-making. Tokyo, for example, has been able to increase the reliability of its public transport by 20 per cent by using such data. This trend will probably lead to a more dynamic system, more responsive to the needs of passengers and to operational challenges.
- User-Centric Design
In Passenger Information Systems, a growing emphasis is placed on a ‘user-centred’ design, based on the principles of usability and ease of use. In Barcelona, for example, the quality of the system’s passenger-interface has been improved, resulting in a 40 per cent increase in the satisfaction of passengers. This trend is likely to lead to further developments in the design of systems, enabling them to become more inclusive and to be used more effectively by a wide range of people.
- Integration of IoT Devices
The integration of the IoT devices in the passenger information systems makes the connection and the data collection more efficient. The sensors in the Seoul subway have already improved the efficiency of the operation by 18%. This trend will only increase, resulting in more interconnected transport systems and more intelligent mobility solutions.
- Multi-Modal Transport Solutions
Information systems are increasingly being used to support multi-modal transport solutions and to facilitate the transition between different transport modes. In Berlin, for example, integrated ticketing has resulted in a ten per cent increase in the use of public transport. This development is likely to lead to a greater use of public transport and to a reduction in congestion.
- Cybersecurity Enhancements
The digitalization of the information systems of the transport and travel industry is the most important focus of attention. Los Angeles has invested heavily in securing its information systems after recent incidents. The number of potential attack points has been reduced by 50 per cent. This development is expected to lead to the creation of more reliable security procedures that ensure the security of traveler data.
- Augmented Reality Applications
Augmented reality (AR) is emerging as a tool for improving the passenger experience in information systems. For example, AR-based wayfinding solutions have been shown to increase the efficiency of navigation in Hong Kong’s transport hubs by up to 30 per cent. This trend is likely to continue, and will offer new ways of engaging passengers and improving their travel experience.
Conclusion: Navigating the Passenger Information Landscape
The passenger information system market is characterized by a high degree of fragmentation and competition, with both established and new players competing for leadership. The market is also characterised by the growing importance of artificial intelligence and automation, as vendors seek to enhance the passenger experience and optimize their own operations. The established players are focusing on utilizing their established systems and integrating new technology, while new entrants are focusing on capturing market share with their focus on flexibility and sustainability. These are the capabilities that will determine market leadership in the future, and they will force the vendors to enter into strategic alliances and to invest in new technology in order to remain at the forefront in this rapidly changing market.