Best Practices: 3 Ways Unification and Digital Workflows can Break Down Silos

Mass transit agencies are often saddled with legacy technology and various systems that serve different purposes. Retrieving and reviewing data and video can be a cumbersome process for fleet managers. Each system or tool provides a piece of the puzzle but seeing the complete picture requires tedious manual synchronization.  

Choosing a unified system that links vehicles’ onboard technology to land-side security systems allows fleet managers to break free of technological and organizational silos. They can streamline security, safety and operations.  

Here are three of the many ways switching to a unified, open platform can benefit your mass transit organization:  

1. Apply passenger counting and arrival time data to optimize route efficiency and rider satisfaction 

With 99 percent accurate passenger counting technology available through modern security platforms, accurate passenger counting can happen daily, not just through periodic audits. This data isn’t only useful for reporting, but also to help optimize route efficiency and ensure passenger safety.   
With a unified platform, you can also cross-reference ridership data with bus arrival times. This provides insights into reliability and route efficiency. Real-time data from buses can even be published to rider apps to keep transit users informed about delays or let them know if the next bus is full and when the following one will arrive.  

2. Use digital workflows to improve passenger and driver safety  

Nothing is more important than the safety of drivers and passengers. Most onboard emergency systems depend on the driver to call for help or press a panic button in the event of an emergency. However, modern security systems can include sensors or camera analytics that can detect potential issues. Triggers may include erratic driving, deviation from the route, gunshot detection, a fight breaking out or even distracted driving due to cell phone use. These triggers automatically notify operators, who may then view video footage to confirm the situation and respond quickly. 

3. Share real-time security data with law enforcement to improve emergency response.  

Proprietary, siloed systems introduce roadblocks to investigations. If you have different systems on different buses, you may spend valuable time figuring out which system to access to get the footage you need. It’s also common for proprietary systems to use custom codecs that require special software to view the footage, creating potentially dangerous delays.  

With a unified system, it’s easier to retrieve the data you need and put that information to good use. If a potential onboard issue is detected, security teams can pull in additional data from land-side cameras and devices connected to the same system. Data can be quickly and securely shared with transit police, law enforcement, local sheriffs or other stakeholders. First responders have a better idea of what they’ll find when they arrive so they can respond more effectively.  

Power of unification for mass transit 

When teams use the same system and follow the same protocols, it’s easier to ensure key measures and efficiencies are in place. A unified system can help you connect your security and operational teams across different divisions through one single platform. The result is a better customer experience. Your riders get to their destinations safely and on time and your team works more efficiently and proactively.