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    1. Technology
    2. Miscellaneous

    Icomera’s public transport Wi-Fi data shows rate of recovery as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted

    June 11, 2020
    Data for Eastern and Western Europe show the regions are experiencing a positive change on the road to recovery.
    Related To: Icomera

    Icomera has combined Wi-Fi usage levels from more than 30,000 trains, trams, buses and coaches across Europe and North America to measure public transport’s rate of recovery as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

    All regions saw a dramatic drop-off in weekly passenger Wi-Fi usage through March -- tracked as a percentage of usage levels in the corresponding weeks in 2019 -- reaching their respective low points between late March and late April. While all regions have clearly felt the impact, the session volume data illustrates that some fell further than others, and the subsequent recovery rates do vary, according to Icomera.

    In Eastern Europe, passenger Wi-Fi usage has currently made a +54-percentage point recovery from its lowest point (four percent), to now sit at 58 percent of its 2019 levels.

    • Western Europe has made a 30-percentage point recovery to 43 percent.
    • Northern Europe (excluding the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland) is up 14 percentage points to 28 percent.
    • North America is up 12 percentage points to 18 percent.
    • The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are up five percentage points to 12 percent.
    • Southern Europe is up nine percentage points to 11 percent.

    Eastern Europe has experienced a positive step change in recent weeks, with many restrictions in the region being lifted during the weeks of May 25 and June 1. Western Europe is also showing a gradual recovery from a comparatively less impacted position.

    Some regions are only now seeing the passenger Wi-Fi usage levels that Northern and Western Europe saw at their lowest points. The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are experiencing the slowest return, while Southern Europe is still feeling the after-effects of the toughest lockdowns and is climbing back from the heaviest reduction in Passenger Wi-Fi usage, says Icomera.

    Icomera’s CEO Magnus Friberg said: “The industry has to restore passenger confidence. We’re seeing a new focus for passenger information channels - such as Wi-Fi portals - communicating the onboard safety measures in place or providing real-time updates on service timetables and passenger loads.

    “Operators are also trialing systems that mitigate the risks, such as thermal imaging cameras, face mask detection systems, and ultraviolet (UVC) disinfection lights. The value of being able to reliably and securely transmit the data that all these systems generate and utilize, to and from the vehicle in real-time, cannot be overstated. Fast and appropriate responses based on this data will be essential for protecting passengers and controlling the spread of the virus.

    “As part of ENGIE Solutions, we have the reach to deliver and support this technology locally in territories around the globe, with people on the ground alongside our clients’ teams. Backed by cloud-based tools designed specifically for public transport applications, and a Network Operations Centre providing 24/7/365 reactive and proactive monitoring and support, Icomera is ready to take a leading role in the industry’s Internet-enabled recovery plan.  We believe the road back from COVID-19 will be a connected journey.”