November 19, 2024

Galileo Powers Ireland’s Public Transport

Galileo Powers Ireland’s Public Transport

Trapeze ITS, a leading provider of public transport technology solutions, has recently been awarded a contract by Ireland’s National Transport Authority (NTA) to implement a cutting-edge Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system for all Public Service buses in the Republic of Ireland. This ambitious national project will connect all 2,300 buses across Ireland, aiming to improve service quality and drive growth for bus operators nationwide.  

AVS utilises data from on-board units leveraging Global Navigation Satellite Systems to track the real-time location of the bus. One of the key benefits of the new AVL system in Ireland is the inclusion of Galileo-enabled, multi-constellation receivers. Galileo is Europe’s Global Navigation Satellite System, providing highly accurate positioning and timing information used in various transport applications. The inclusion of these receivers will enhance geolocation accuracy, offering more precise vehicle location data and improving services for both passengers and operators. Other advantages of this pioneering solution include enhanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) prediction algorithms, AI-powered monitoring of bus lane blockages to reduce delays, and Passenger information technology: audible and visual passenger information needs to be location-accurate. 

Gallileo supports the E5 band besides the E1: 

  • High-Precision Accuracy: The E5 band operates at a frequency range of 1164-1215 MHz, which allows for high-precision measurements due to its wide bandwidth.  
  • Robust Signal Quality: The E5 band offers improved robustness against interference and multipath errors (signal reflections that can distort positioning). This makes it ideal for use in urban environments where buildings and other structures can cause signal disruptions. 
  • Better Dual-Frequency Operations: Combined with other signals, like those in the E1 band, the E5 band enables dual-frequency operation. This helps eliminate errors caused by ionospheric delays, significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of navigation 

Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus routes are operated by different companies in Ireland. The new system provided by Trapeze ITS unifies all previous AVL systems under one platform. It will deliver a consistent bus service management solution across all Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus operators and provide high-quality dynamic real-time information to citizens, through on-street displays, the Transport for Ireland (TFL Live) application and other third-party smartphone applications. 

The new AVL system will bring about operational savings, while also offering passengers more accurate and reliable real-time information. The innovative solution will help reduce waiting and journey times, benefiting citizens across Ireland. Public transport plays a crucial role in enabling people to access destinations and opportunities. Moreover, high-quality public transport can help reduce dependence on private cars, fostering a more sustainable transport system. The new AVL system in Ireland will contribute towards these aims, by providing more reliable information to users and operators and encouraging greater adoption of the PSO bus services. 

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