An innovative new passenger counting technology that uses 3D sensors has been successfully introduced on buses serving the Hinckley Point C construction site in Somerset.
The new cutting-edge advanced passenger counting (APC) from Exeros Technologies is now being used by the bus fleet of Somerset Passenger Solutions’ (SPS), the sole provider of passenger transport for Europe’s largest construction project.
It promises reliable and accurate data for public transport operators to determine optimum vehicle scheduling based on passenger load.
The solution accurately monitors passenger boarding and disembarking locations and times.
It allows SPS to process and analyse both historical and real-time data, allowing bus and coach operators to optimise vehicle frequency and routes and adjust vehicle capacity in a timely manner based on demands.
Jay Biring, CTO at Exeros, said, “We are thrilled to finally launch this sophisticated technology to the bus market. Unlike previous tech, this high-precision solution relies on innovative 3D sensor technology to accurately map a person getting on or off.
“Previously this has been a challenge due to errors in imaging techniques. Time-of-flight imaging is something we’re going to be seeing a lot of going forwards especially with the push towards autonomy in the vehicle space.”
The system is able to recognise passenger movements even in crowded situations and in extreme lighting scenarios. Consistently achieving over 99% accuracy, the sensors overcome errors such as shadowing or the counting of U-turns.
Darren Eaton, Commercial Director at SPS said, “Our fleet of vehicles are responsible for all passenger journeys to and from Hinckley Point, working around the clock to ensure that construction remains on schedule.
“As the Hinckley Point project and our fleet continues to grow, this new upgrade to our valuable transport service will enable us to optimise service frequency and adjust vehicle capacity in a very timely manner based on passenger demand.”
The technology comes with automatic event recording, as well as a powerful data analytics platform to tune vehicle deployments to when the networks are busiest, inevitably lowering CO2 emissions.
Andrew Wagstaff, Passenger Transport Service Manager at HPC, added, “By utilising the data made available by Exeros’ passenger counting technology, it is anticipated that further refinement of our routes and schedules will lead to an even more efficient and passenger-focused service being provided to our broad customer base.”
This APC system can connect to a new AI Driven central CCTV platform for public transport vehicles. It partners with AI blind spot cyclist safety detection cameras, front driver assist cameras which will warn the driver of pending collisions, a driver monitor camera that alerts the driver if they are showing fatigue or distraction and new high-definition cameras for enhanced safety on buses.
