The technology to create seamless or connected multimodal transportation exists, but the majority of services are still being delivered to the end customer in a disconnected, piecemeal way.
For example, a journey from A to B might involve switching from a bus to a train and then a ferry, with tickets purchased for each separate stage from the different operators providing transportation.
In order to improve services and keep up with the huge growth in numbers of people travelling throughout the world, we need to look at new ways to streamline services for travellers and simplify the provision of services for operators.
Multimodal transportation explained
All things point to a future that lies in multimodal transportation, where different forms of transportation are integrated into a single passenger interaction to arrange complete door-to-door travel.
Imagine buying one ticket to get you on a train, to the airport and straight to the hotel – where your luggage will be waiting for you. The aim is to make travel experiences more efficient, safer, greener and less hassle while optimizing journey times, and minimizing costs for travellers.
We are just now starting to see how this future might develop, with the potential to completely transform travel.
The connected experience – we’re already on our way
The multimodal experience starts at home or on your smartphone.
There are already travel planning apps and websites that show different modes of transportation, times and costs to help get passengers from A to B, but even these are done through separate providers and intermodal systems.
In the future, we will see services that will be able to book your whole itinerary through a single app – with one search and payment.
Smart-ticketing and e-ticketing are essentially already here. From boarding passes on smartphones to contactless card machines on buses, the next step will be to offer one ticket for all forms of travel. While simplifying travel for passengers, these ticketing systems are also useful to transportation operators as information gathered by smart systems can be analyzed to offer better services.
Single token travel is the next development in multimodal travel—using a passenger’s biometrics and travel data to create a digital record and provide secure authentication. The technology has the potential to create a seamless journey for passengers by cutting the time taken for security checks, check-in and boarding at airports and stations.
In order to achieve multimodal travel, transportation systems need to be connected both physically and operationally. This means having the right infrastructure supported by high-quality, real-time information systems for connecting routes, schedules and fares.
Keeping passengers connected
Communication is an important factor in the passenger journey – keeping passengers connected and informed improves their experience.
Smartphones, laptops and tablet devices are ubiquitous for travellers now, as is public Wi-Fi – the same needs to be true for real-time data and communications for transportation operators.
In addition, there are applications that provide guidance and way-finding to help find retail outlets, departure gates or even locate their car, but this is not enough. The real value comes from requesting assistance in real-time to enhance the passenger experience.
Collaboration services embedded in applications through a CPaaS (Communications Platform as a Service) model allow transportation authorities to provide real-time communications, such as messaging, voice and video, to provide scheduling updates, travel information, real-time interaction with staff and passengers and emergency notifications. All of this can be delivered via a single app, simplifying and enhancing the traveller experience.
Read More >> http://www.access-ai.com/features/6103/providing-door-door-travel-multimodal-transportation-system/
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