Editor's Choice


Connecting every transport node

November 2024 Editor's Choice Data Acquisition & Telemetry

In Stockholm, home to Northern Europe’s largest urban rail network, commuter ferries and buses perfectly complement the extensive rail system, forming a seamlessly integrated city transport network. With 480 routes and 5000 stops, Stockholm’s bus system strategically links urban mainline, suburban mainline, non-mainline routes, community service buses and night buses. By minimising overlap with rail lines, this intricate bus network ensures efficient and flexible operations that synchronise with the transportation network, resulting in a smooth travel experience.

As part of the Transdev group, Transdev Sverige, a major Swedish public transportation operator, collaborates with the government and transportation federation to streamline bus services. With over 1600 buses, the company aims to enhance efficiency by syncing real-time data, optimising routes, and improving the overall customer experience.

Overcoming data overload

“Buses today not only transport passengers, but also data. It is important to consider factors such as traffic disruptions and timeliness. As soon as the doors close, real-time data on the number of passengers is transmitted,” explained chief architect, Anders Bergstrom. He added that buses in the greater Stockholm area transmit data every second. Transdev has developed a data management and information processing system that integrates Design Time and real-time Runtime information.

Because of the surge in real-time data volume, the existing infrastructure could not handle it efficiently. “The solution we had was not scalable,” said CIO, Adam Fall. “To process the growing amount of real-time data, we required a scalable infrastructure that could handle data overload.”

Riding the wave of real-time data

To acquire and process data from multiple sources and analyse onboard information on their moving buses, Transdev sought a dependable and powerful onboard computer. It teamed up with CatAB, Moxa’s local representative, known for delivering top-notch industrial data communication boards and equipment since 1988. Moxa and Cat AB worked together to support Transdev throughout the entire processs, from preconfiguration and solution design to final deployment.

Moxa’s UC8220 computer is specially designed for embedded data acquisition applications, featuring a variety of connectors and interfaces that can easily adapt to the complex communication requirements of buses.

Moxa partnered with software provider, GHOST Labs to enable full control and monitoring capabilities on the bus. GHOST Labs correlated, adjusted and monitored data from all systems and computers on the bus, sending consolidated information to the Transdev’s AWS and Public Transport Administration as per government requirements. Integrating Moxa’s industrial computer with the GHOST IIoT platform enabled reliable and secure data acquisition, processing, and analysis of onboard information on the buses. The end result was a fully functional onboard system that Transdev can monitor remotely, gaining valuable insights and making informed decisions to enhance their services.

Transforming commuting

Transdev has transformed the public transport experience by capturing vehicle and passenger events on a second-by-second basis. Thanks to the real-time data, there has been a remarkable improvement in the customer onboard experience, making buses a more appealing transportation option in Sweden, and encouraging people to ditch their cars. Integrating this technology has allowed Transdev to offer a significantly more dependable and efficient service to its customers, greatly enhancing the quality of public transport in the region.

Transdev is using technology to improve fuel efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint by dispatching buses according to passenger needs. This not only enhances the service’s reliability and efficiency, but also realises Transdev’s vision of a greener public transportation network. Transdev’s renewed commitment to sustainability is transforming the transportation industry and working towards a greener future. “Transdev and Moxa are collaborating to elevate the local transit experience in Stockholm by providing a seamless and convenient passenger experience that benefits both commuters and the environment. Through this partnership, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies, we aim to increase efficiency, reduce operational costs and expand the transportation network. The future of mobility looks brighter than ever before,” says Fall.

For more information contact RJ Connect, +27 11 781 0777, [email protected], www.rjconnect.co.za


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

The future of industrial automation: fieldbus and industrial networking
LAPP Southern Africa Editor's Choice
As a global leader in integrated solutions in the field of cable and connection technology, LAPP recognises that fieldbus and industrial networking technologies are pivotal in shaping the future of manufacturing and production processes.

Read more...
AI-driven innovations with CCTV and cyber security
RJ Connect Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The fast progress of artificial intelligence (AI) and video analytics is redefining the rail surveillance landscape. Advancements have bolstered proactive event detection, predictive maintenance and enhanced situational awareness.

Read more...
Loop signature 27: SWAG tuning of simple integrating processes.
Editor's Choice
The chief control engineer of one of the largest petrochemical refineries in South Africa once sent me an email after a course at his plant. He wrote that he had found the section on SWAG tuning of simple integrating processes one of the most informative of the whole course.

Read more...
Harnessing industrial AI agents for reliable automation
Editor's Choice IT in Manufacturing
The excitement around generative AI (GenAI) has been undeniable, promising wide-ranging changes across industries. However, for those of us in the world of industrial control and automation, the realities of implementing these powerful technologies are a little more nuanced.

Read more...
Futureproof your industrial network security with OT-centric cyber security
RJ Connect Editor's Choice
To achieve digital transformation, industrial operators must first address the daunting task of merging their information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) infrastructure. In this article, we focus on the importance of strong OT network security and provide some tips on how to strengthen cybersecurity for industrial operations.

Read more...
The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs
Schneider Electric South Africa Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.

Read more...
Case History 196: Unstable condensate level control.
Michael Brown Control Engineering Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
The operators in a petrochemical refinery were having great trouble in trying to stabilise the condensate level in a vessel, and this was adversely affecting other loops downstream. Several unsuccessful attempts had been made to retune the controller.

Read more...
Big themes for 2025
Editor's Choice News
2024 was a year of unprecedented innovation and global upheaval. As we look ahead, Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Institute asks which technologies will reshape our world in 2025?

Read more...
Loop signature: Tuning part 4 processes
Michael Brown Control Engineering Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The purpose of this particular article is to try and give those unfortunate enough to have to use SWAG (scientific wild ass guess) tuning a bit of an idea of how to go about it, and even more importantly some understanding of a couple of basic principles.

Read more...
EtherCAT and PC-based control elevate next-generation laser cutting machine
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice
Cincinnati Incorporated has been building sheet metal processing equipment for 125 years. Since the switch to PC-based control, the only limits to development have been physical.

Read more...