Among all the existing public transport networks, one never really knows where the users come from or where they go. Yet, each journey reveals key information for operators and transport authorities. Knowing these invisible flows would facilitate the optimization of lines, connections and mobility offer. The Origin/Destination analysis allows precisely to identify these points in order to trace passenger journeys within a network.
Acorel precisely offers an O/D offer. This article presents its operation and the benefits it brings to transport networks.
Origin/Destination in public transport
What is the Origin/Destination analysis ?
Origin/Destination is based on the collection and analysis of data concerning the points of departure (origin) and arrival (destination) of public transport users. Concretely, it is about retracing the journey of a traveler within a public transport network. This data is often collected via surveys, electronic sensors, transport tickets or mobile apps.
The goal ? Better identify passengers and track their movements to adapt services.
Data collection and processing
The collection of data to feed the so-called OD analysis can be done in several ways. Among them, as explained previously, travel surveys where users are questioned about their journeys are among the methods traditional.
Otherwise, for more accurate data, smart cards or location data are now possible.
Smart cards are used to validate journeys in transport. And the location data comes from mobile applications. These two methods make it possible to track the movements of users in real time anonymously and continuously.
Use of automatic counting sensors
In the data collection process of Origin/destination we need advanced technologies like counting sensors.
The counting sensors, what are they ?
Concretely, counting sensors are devices installed in vehicles or at the access points of stations. They record the entries and exits of people at each passage. There are several types of sensors, such as infrared sensors, counting cameras, or RFID-based systems.
Infrared sensors are used in buses or trams to count incoming and outgoing passengers at each stop. They operate by detecting interruptions in an infrared light beam caused by the passage of an individual. As for the counting cameras, they use computer vision algorithms to analyze video images and count passengers.
Acorel provides the infrared sensors and counting cameras. For more information go to our sensor page.
Finally, RFID-based systems involve the use of smart cards or electronic tickets that passengers scan upon entering or leaving the vehicle.
Each scan provided and each pass detected provide accurate data about the person’s origin and destination. Each of these collected data can be aggregated to generate detailed OD matrices.
In addition, the data collected by the sensors are then processed to extract information on passenger flows. This helps to better understand the different paths taken by passengers in a transport network.
In other words, this information is valuable for optimizing routes, adjusting service frequencies and planning future network expansions.
Application of O/D analysis
After having presented the data collection methods as well as the tools used to analyze them, the functioning of O/D analysis at Acorel can be clarified.
As explained previously, automatic passenger sensors are installed in the vehicles so that ascents and descents are accurately recorded at each stop. Thanks to these sensors, real-time flow data is collected. Thus, managers have a clear view of vehicle occupancy rates and passenger flows.
To enable O/D analysis, an anonymized identifier is assigned to each passenger. This identifier is generated from non-personal physical characteristics, such as the color of a garment or its size. In this way, a passenger’s journey can be followed anonymously from boarding to disembarkation, while ensuring compliance with the GDPR regulations.
The data collected by the sensors are then centralised by the counting and concentration unit (CCU). They are processed and analyzed in Acorel’s Vision Mobility reporting software, where detailed indicators on passenger flows are generated.
Obtain a solution sheet O/D : click here
The solution is designed to be adapted to different types of vehicles, such as buses and trams. To get a demonstration on the Origin/Destination solution, contact an expert.
The advantages of OD in public transport
Origin/Destination analysis brings many benefits for public transport networks.
Indeed, thanks to the data from the automatic passenger counting and the anonymized identification of ascents and descents, travel flows can be better understood.
This information allows the transport offer to be adapted to demand:
- By optimizing the schedules
- The routes
- The capacity of vehicles on the busiest lines
They also facilitate:
- Infrastructure planning
- Improving connections between different modes of transport
- The implementation of more appropriate pricing policies
Finally, O/D data is a strategic decision aid, allowing operators to react more effectively in case of disruptions and improve the overall user experience.
To conclude, the Origin/Destination analysis allows a better understanding of passenger flows in public transport networks. Thanks to Acorel’s automatic metering, operators can adapt the transport offer, optimize network operations and improve the passenger experience.
For more information, click here