TUB operates a 160-vehicle fleet in one of Portugal’s bustling cities.
They faced mounting pressures to deliver a high-quality passenger experience while driving down operational costs. Connectivity proved to be a pivotal element, yet existing systems were fragmented, leading to inefficiencies. Determined to enhance service quality and streamline operations, TUB embarked on a journey to transform its buses into fully connected, digitally integrated vehicles.
The Key Challenges
- Multiple Data Plans and Limited Monitoring: TUB used several SIM cards for different on-board devices—ticket validators, passenger information, CCTV, and more. This resulted in high connectivity expenses and scattered data tracking.
- Lack of Passenger Engagement: Without Wi-Fi or digital touchpoints, TUB struggled to gather user feedback or update passengers in real time. This reduced overall travel satisfaction.
- Integration Hurdles: Introducing new applications often required installing separate hardware. This prolonged testing phases and risked service disruptions.
The Connected Bus Solution
A single, unified connectivity Wavecom Modular Gateway replaced the need for multiple data plans, consolidating all on-board devices cloud-managed by the Wavecom IoT Manager/Multi-Tenant Platform. Advanced on-board Wi-Fi deployment offered passengers easy internet access, while the operator gained the ability to push real-time updates using targeted communication channels. A sandbox environment also allowed TUB to test and validate new applications quickly and securely before rolling them out across the entire fleet.
Advantages and Impact
- Streamlined Operations: The IoT Manager/Multi-Tenant Platform and consolidated SIM management helped TUB significantly cut data costs while providing better visibility into network usage.
- Enhanced Passenger Experience: On-board Wi-Fi delivered a seamless browsing experience and enabled interactive tools, increasing passenger satisfaction.
- Faster Implementation Cycles: New technologies and apps could be tested and deployed without impact on daily operations, accelerating innovation within TUB’s transport network.
- Reliable Technical Support: A dedicated support team offered swift resolutions to any technical hitches, ensuring system availability and uptime remained consistently high.
Summary of Benefits
- 30% estimated reduction in connectivity expenses
- More engaged passengers thanks to real-time notifications and on-board Wi-Fi
- Simplified maintenance with fewer physical devices and unified SIM management
- Faster rollout of new features using a controlled sandbox environment
- Stable, future-proof architecture ready for ongoing upgrades
Conclusion
By modernizing its fleet with the Wavecom Connected Bus Solution, TUB demonstrates how an integrated approach to connectivity can revolutionize urban transportation. From lowering overhead costs to enabling real-time customer engagement, the transformation highlights the power of innovative technologies in public transport. TUB’s story not only underscores the positive impact on daily operations but also serves as a roadmap for other transit organizations seeking to future-proof their services for the digital era.
This article was originally published by Wavecom.
