INIT’s real-time passenger counting solution aids with social distancing on transit

A real-time passenger counting solutions designed to aid customers with social distancing onboard vehicles has been introduced by INIT.

Customers with an INIT Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) system and MOBILE-ITCS cellular-based radio on board, can now manage load capacities on their vehicles in real-time. Agencies can relay that information to their riders through passenger information systems or INIT’s DEPARTURESlive app and other third-party apps. Information about vehicle occupancy rates equips the agency to better adjust their service levels, for instance, by adding vehicles on overcrowded lines.

How it works

The occupancy rate of the vehicle is analyzed in the INIT onboard unit and transmitted to the Intermodal Transport Control System (MOBILE-ITCS) after each stop of the vehicle. The information is calculated in percentages, based on the agency’s predefined values, and displayed to the dispatcher in color codes. For example, a zero to 40 percent load may display in green, meaning the passenger load is acceptable. If the passenger load percentage is between 50 – 75 percent, a yellow indictor will alert the dispatcher that the vehicle is reaching its load limit. A red indicator tells the dispatcher that the bus has reached its capacity. The driver can also alert passengers using a “drop off only” message displayed on the head sign to alert passengers waiting at a stop.

Real-time APC can deliver greater control over rider safety and gives passengers the opportunity to make informed decisions on which vehicle they feel comfortable riding. It can also aids agencies by helping them manage social distancing in a COVID-19 recovering world in a way that is safe, smart and efficient, says INIT.