Public Transportation Connected:Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution
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As a result of rapid population growth and increasing urbanisation, many Asian cities are experiencing growing demand for public transport. However, some of these locations lack the infrastructure and systems to deliver timely and reliable services, which reduces commuter satisfaction.
Introduction
In some cities, commuters are increasingly choosing to travel by car instead of public transport. For example, in Singapore, public transport use declined to 58 per cent in 2010 from 67 per cent in 1997.1 The most common reasons for this decrease include overcrowding and long waiting times, a lack of coordination between transport options and a shortage of useful transport information.
Few Asian cities have deployed technology as extensively as they could to use resources more effectively, in turn improving their networks. To make this a possibility and help cities overcome their challenges, Accenture has used its extensive experience with global transport networks, analytics, and experience in other industries to develop an intelligent platform for public transport: the Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution.
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Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution is the engine that drives effective decision-making and planning in transport networks.
How it works
At the heart of Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution is an intelligent ‘brain’ that matches commuter needs with transport supply now and into the future. To do this, it creates a detailed knowledge base that draws on an extensive array of network information by monitoring data sources such as vehicle and road sensors, passenger volumes, spare capacity, journey times and delays, and the average speeds of buses, trains and taxis.
Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution then uses patented decision algorithms, combined with sophisticated analytics and data warehousing, to harness the knowledge base and deliver actionable insights. The platform continually learns and evolves to predict what could happen across the network, and delivers optimal recommendations to commuters, operators and authorities in advance of anticipated events taking place.
For instance, commuters receive contextual and predictive suggestions that constantly assess their individual travel preferences against network conditions to recommend ideal journeys (see breakout box Negotiating the evening commute: travelling with Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution). Operators and authorities get up-to-the-minute information on how and where they should deploy their resources in anticipation of potential future scenarios, which boosts the efficiency of transport networks and the experience of commuters.
Network and behavioural data are used to increase the accuracy of a journey’s forecasts, including traffic and crowding. This allows the platform to operate in an unbiased and consistent manner as forecasts are based on the preferred available knowledge of current and anticipated network conditions.
By using its ‘brain’ to understand and learn from a growing knowledge base, a range of unprecedented options are introduced. For instance:
• commuters can see if upcoming buses are going to be full and receive alternative travel options
• operators can see that buses on a particular route are almost all full and increase the number of buses on a given route to cover the morning or evening peak
• authorities can assess whether new travel trends require expansion of transport network.
• Mobility
• Personalization
• Location-Based Advanced Information
• Time-Space-Distance-Delay
• Time Calendar (To-Do Lists)
Real-Time Contextual Personalized Messages
Commuter portal/app
Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution
Front-end
Back-end
Location (GIS)
Path/Trajectory
Time & Frequency
Origin – Destination
Local Directory
Search
Social Network
Shopping / Activities
Payment
Dynamic Optimal Routing
Dynamic Messaging
Dynamic Segmentation
Location-Based Activity Advanced Traffic
Operations Control (ATOC)
Automated Dynamic Warning Enforcemment
Commuter-Traffic Adjustments
Non-Vehicular Road Safety
Advanced Traffic Conditions
Incident Management
Demand-Responsive Traffic Adjustments
Demand-Responsive Pricing
Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA)
Travel-Demand KPI & Feedback
Demand-Responsive Transport
Dynamic Route Price
Inter-modal Dynamic Update
Location-Based Crowd Diffusion
Optimal Network Synchronization
Dynamic Capacity
Infotainment
En-route Location En-route Traffic
Numerical Analytics
Location Segmentation
Real-Time Proximity Services
Autonomic Alerts and
Triggers
Dynamic Optimal Information
Dynamic Traffic Assignment
Adv. Transport Operation Control
Field Data Optimization
Discrete Choice
OperatorsTrain
Bus
Taxi
Other transport
Partner Command Center
PTACommand
Centre
Integrated Data Warehouse
Vehicles / OBEs
Sensors
Other B2B
Transit Link
Train MeterMerchants BankParkingTaxi Bus
Distributed intelligence to provide in-advance trip and transport information
Our unique and distinct approach
Figure 1: Distributed intelligence (time, route, mode, cost & capacity)
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• Mobility
• Personalization
• Location-Based Advanced Information
• Time-Space-Distance-Delay
• Time Calendar (To-Do Lists)
Real-Time Contextual Personalized Messages
Commuter portal/app
Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution
Front-end
Back-end
Location (GIS)
Path/Trajectory
Time & Frequency
Origin – Destination
Local Directory
Search
Social Network
Shopping / Activities
Payment
Dynamic Optimal Routing
Dynamic Messaging
Dynamic Segmentation
Location-Based Activity Advanced Traffic
Operations Control (ATOC)
Automated Dynamic Warning Enforcemment
Commuter-Traffic Adjustments
Non-Vehicular Road Safety
Advanced Traffic Conditions
Incident Management
Demand-Responsive Traffic Adjustments
Demand-Responsive Pricing
Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA)
Travel-Demand KPI & Feedback
Demand-Responsive Transport
Dynamic Route Price
Inter-modal Dynamic Update
Location-Based Crowd Diffusion
Optimal Network Synchronization
Dynamic Capacity
Infotainment
En-route Location En-route Traffic
Numerical Analytics
Location Segmentation
Real-Time Proximity Services
Autonomic Alerts and
Triggers
Dynamic Optimal Information
Dynamic Traffic Assignment
Adv. Transport Operation Control
Field Data Optimization
Discrete Choice
OperatorsTrain
Bus
Taxi
Other transport
Partner Command Center
PTACommand
Centre
Integrated Data Warehouse
Vehicles / OBEs
Sensors
Other B2B
Transit Link
Train MeterMerchants BankParkingTaxi Bus
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Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution has the power to help change how cities function by delivering more effective public transport that can enhance outcomes for commuters, operators and authorities.
Transforming public transport networks
Benefits for commutersAccenture Dynamic Transport Solution puts the focus on the commuter. It does not simply push timetable information to commuters; rather, it allows commuters to choose how they get to destinations based on their preferences and needs.
By using this platform, commuters gain convenience, as all transport options are linked on their devices and they can identify the appropriate routes recommended to them in a predictive manner. They gain control by having advance information about how crowded buses and trains are, and have the option to book other options. They also gain comfort as the system provides personalised information to help commuters choose their preferred mode of transport.
Benefits for operatorsTransport operators are able to effectively manage their resources with Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution. They can accurately assess the demand for their services at specific spots, and compare this with demand for transport across a city’s network. This allows operators to shift resources to take advantage of short- and long-term trends based on sound analytics.
Operators can also see their results reflected in the data. These results can provide evidence of past performance to secure future transport contracts. Further, operators can use the real-time information to create new business models, such as collaborations with retailers that harness data about commuters’ locations and preferences.
Benefits for authoritiesAccenture Dynamic Transport Solution enables authorities to improve commuter satisfaction with public transport by encouraging them to create more efficient and reliable transport options.
By using this platform, authorities can gain a big-picture view of a city’s transport network. They can also view how the network functions as a whole, and identify where routes need to be decrowded or adjusted. They can also assess where infrastructure needs to be built, and improve their planning ability over time as Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution continually learns and refines its predictive power.
Benefits for service providersAccenture Dynamic Transport Solution also offers excellent opportunities for service providers (including retailers and public sector authorities) to provide targeted offers and communications to commuters. Based on our research, commuters are interested in receiving promotional deals and information that are relevant to their journey.
For example, commuters could be offered discounts, via their mobile devices, by retailers along their travel route, or public authorities (such as the police or health departments) could provide location-based updates on major events. Service providers can also form partnerships with operators and other providers to create compelling offers for commuters.
Public transport authorities will negotiate with third-party service providers and the resulting offers will be delivered via Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution. This would allow for safety and security of commuter data, as these details will not be directly shared with third parties.
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Negotiating the evening commute: Travelling with Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution
Figure 2: Negotiating the evening commute: Travelling with ADTS
“I’ve had such a long day at work – it’s peak hour and I just want to have a seat to myself – but not pay the peak hour charge for a taxi!”
6:05pm 6:06pm 6:19pm
“A train breakdown? Thank goodness I’m not stuck in traffic! I could unwind with an Italian dinner. What a deal and I need to eat anyway!”
Where I am: My workWhere I want to go: My homeWhen I want to leave: 5 minutesWhen I want to arrive: Under an hour
Prioritise:
Comfort Most eco-friendly Cheapest On time Fastest
Alert: A train has broken down on the Downtown Train line.Very unlikely to get a seat on any bus.
Suggest to wait 45 minutes before going home. There is an Italian restaurant nearby offering 20% discount – interested?
Take Bus 10. It has the highest likelihood of getting a seat at 70%It will arrive in 12 minutes at Stamford Bus Stop (click for directions)Trip cost: $1.11
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Train delayed!
- Capacity on possible routes…- 90% likely to rain…- Traffic likely to worsen…- Capacity will likely increase to…- Likelihood of getting a seat…
Reassess de-crowding options based on commuter demand and priorities…
- Execute SOP for incidents: Identify and confirm commuters directly impacted by breakdown (who is on the train? Any special needs?)…
- Provide updates via social feeds to calm and prepare commuters for relief actions…
- Demand is likely to exceed capacity in next 30 minutes
- Likely to rain – demand likely to increase…
- Additional supply may relieve…
- Downtown line disruption…- Current and likely demand
on transit bridging needs…- Recommend transit
bridging actions…
- Demand in Zone 2 has increased.- Likely to push capacity on
Routes 10, 7A, 250 over 80%
- Recommend Premium shuttle for Route 10
- Assign taxis…
- Train incident on Downtown line- Current demand and capacity…- Likely demand and capacity…- Suggested transit bridging
actions…
• Real-time
• Predictive
• Intelligent decision-making
• Self Maturing
Public transport conditions can change in an instant, potentially resulting in long commuter delays and capacity bottlenecks. The example below shows how Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution helps commuters and authorities effectively manage a train breakdown during the evening peak.
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The first step in transforming your city’s public transport network is to assess the performance of your current arrangements. Accenture can work with you to examine the state of your knowledge base, and how your city might increase its transport data collection and harness this information to improve commuters’ journeys and network planning.
We can then design solutions (including pilot projects) that bring in the power of Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution and involve forecasting, simulating and optimising techniques. From there, we can team with you to tailor the offering that would revolutionise your city’s public transport network.
Your transport journey
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This document is produced by consultants at Accenture as general guidance. It is not intended to provide specific advice on your circumstances. If you require advice or further details on any matters referred to, please contact your Accenture representative.
About AccentureAccenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with approximately 266,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$27.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Its home page is www.accenture.com.
Reference 1. Intelligent Cities, Accenture Dynamic Transport Solution – Singapore, www.intelligent-cities.active-cms.de/Beispiel/51/AccentureDynamicOptimal TransportADOTSingapore.html.
ContactFor more information please contact:
Won-Joon Lee [email protected] Tel: +65 6410 6662
Howe Chai Sim [email protected] Tel: +65 6410 6978
Prabir Sen [email protected] Tel: +65 6410 7144