Digitally connected transport systems critical for smart cities

Commuters want digitally connected public transport, a global survey shows.

The Continuous Connectivity Research Report by Bai Communications seeks to understand how a digitally connected public transport system can help peoples’ lives and expectations around a city, especially for future smart cities.

Over 2500 rail users in Hong Kong, London, New York, Sydney and Toronto were surveyed as part of the study.

“The modern commuter isn’t just looking to get from A to B, they are expecting more from transport networks and want technology to enrich their journeys,” Bai Communications chief strategy officer James Woodhams says.

“A smart city commuter will use digital connectivity to work smarter, live better and reduce stress to create more mindful trips.”

The studies show 83% of respondents think innovative transport systems are features of a smart city. About 96% of rail users believe transport innovation is an important part of modern cities and 94% believe all rail networks should offer digital connectivity.

Continuous connectivity on the public transport system can deliver substantial improvements in productivity and liveability, as city dwellers are able to work more effectively on their commute journeys, the report says.

Respondents say they could use their travel time to complete work so they spend less hours in an office (56%), offer the potential for career improvement (46%) and they would be open to location and housing changes (45%).

“As we look to improve services and create modern, data-driven cities that enrich the lives of citizens, seamless digital connectivity is the foundation needed to achieve this goal,” says Woodhams.

Connected transport systems create city-wide networks that can make commuting safer, enable greater efficiency and broader smart city applications, the report adds.

“People’s expectations of the public transport system are increasing, and these expectations require continuous connectivity to enable innovative technology solutions. These applications include sensors, Machine2Machine learning, big data, cloud competing or other emerging technologies. This approach can deliver connected, data-driven transport systems to unlock new value for operators and passengers.”

Woodhams says tens of millions of people worldwide use public transport daily.

“Digital connectivity is changing our ideas of what makes a city ‘world class’ and regardless of where they are in the world, people want to live in a city that allows them to work and live better.”

Click here for more information and to download the report.