Today, Exeros Technologies has announced the successful installation of the latest passenger counting systems to the bus fleet of Somerset Passenger Solutions’ (SPS), the sole provider of passenger transport for Europe’s largest construction project, Hinkley Point C (HPC).
This cutting-edge advanced passenger counting (APC) system offers reliable and accurate data for public transport operators, to determine optimum vehicle scheduling based on passenger load.
With unparalleled data accuracy, the solution accurately monitors passenger boarding and disembarking locations and times. The technology will allow SPS to process and analyse both historical and real-time data, allowing bus and coach operators to optimise vehicle frequency and routes and adjust vehicle capacity in a timely manner based on demands.
Jay Biring, CTO at Exeros said, “We are thrilled to finally launch this sophisticated technology to the bus market. Unlike previous tech, this high-precision solution relies on innovative 3D sensor technology to accurately map a person getting on or off.
“Previously this has been a challenge due to errors in imaging techniques. Time-of-flight imaging is something we’re going to be seeing a lot of going forwards especially with the push towards autonomy in the vehicle space.”
Pushing the limits on our new generation sensors, the system is able to recognise passenger movements even in crowded situations and in extreme lighting scenarios. Consistently achieving over 99% accuracy, the sensors overcome errors such as shadowing or the counting of U-turns.
Darren Eaton, Commercial Director at SPS said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Exeros to bring this new technology to SPS.”
“Our fleet of vehicles are responsible for all passenger journeys to and from Hinkley Point, working around the clock to ensure that construction remains on schedule.”
“As the Hinkley Point project and our fleet continues to grow, this new upgrade to our valuable transport service will enable us to optimise service frequency and adjust vehicle capacity in a very timely manner based on passenger demand.”
The technology comes with automatic event recording, as well as a powerful data analytics platform to tune vehicle deployments to when the networks are busiest, inevitably lowering CO2 emissions.
Andrew Wagstaff, Passenger Transport Service Manager at HPC, added, “The Hinkley Point C construction project is constantly striving to increase the efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of their passenger transport service, the primary means by which the workforce travel to site.
“By utilising the data made available by Exeros’ passenger counting technology, it is anticipated that further refinement of our routes and schedules will lead to an even more efficient and passenger focused service being provided to our broad customer base.”
This ground-breaking APC system can connect to a new AI Driven central CCTV platform for public transport vehicles. It partners with AI blind spot cyclist safety detection cameras, front Driver assist cameras which will warn the driver of pending collisions, a driver monitor camera that alerts the driver if they are showing fatigue or distraction and new high-definition cameras for enhanced safety on buses.
In line with TFL’s Vision Zero, Exeros Technologies is working alongside its customers to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries on UK roads. Combined with other AI technology, the APC system is a very powerful module and an even more powerful total solution architecture.
