Stratio
Advancing Public Transport through AI: Smart Solutions for Urban Mobility
This article first appeared in the Bus-News Magazine Issue 2 2023.
Transport operators face a unique array of challenges, including shifting governmental regulations regarding netzero targets, rising fuel costs and the complexities of the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
However, in the rapidly evolving landscape of smart cities, transport providers have the opportunity to spearhead technological innovation and address these challenges head-on. Many have now begun to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to digitally transform their operations and increase the reliability and efficiency of the services they offer passengers.
Recognising the Role of AI in Improving Maintenance Operations
According to UITP, the international association of public transport, 86% of stakeholders are embracing AI and have plans to integrate it into their operations. This signals an industry-wide recognition of the potential associated with new technologies and digital transformation, which can dramatically change the way operators and passengers think about elements such as ticketing, journey planning, maintenance and scheduling.
In the realm of maintenance, AI is being used for solutions like predictive maintenance, which employs AI and ML algorithms to analyse vehicle sensor data and identify patterns indicating possible component or system failures. This provides maintenance teams with a significant advantage, enabling them to take corrective actions before a potential issue escalates into a vehicle breakdown and, consequently, a service disruption.
AI Predictive Maintenance
By leveraging data from vehicle sensors, predictive maintenance facilitates early detection of component failures. Fleet managers can proactively address issues before they lead to breakdowns, enhancing reliability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
While utilising predictive maintenance as an early warning system to minimise breakdowns is crucial for operators aiming to offer a punctual and reliable service, there are other ways in which this technology can maximise efficiency. For instance, having visibility over the precise time when a component will need replacement – rather than relying on estimates – gives maintenance managers the ability to schedule vehicle servicing during off-peak periods with the assurance that the vehicle remains safe to operate.
