Topic 1 How the use of technology improves services, safety and become more efficient
Recent technological innovation has completely altered the meaning of “travelling”. The influence of technology and relevant devices have offered us the possibility of reaching even the most remote places in the world.
Transportation has been an industry that emerging innovations have often been tested, as it is amongst the most essential industries for a country to function. An efficient transportation system can support all passengers, regardless of the latter’s numbers, thus improving the productivity of all actors evolved in the market.
As a result of a combination between innovation and the increasing usage of databases, organizations are becoming more capable in reducing traffic, increasing punctuality, and consistently meeting the current needs of their users.
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The use of technology can make our lives easier and more efficient. Online applications can expand distribution options for travelers.
Technology managers and researchers are developing policies on transportation and analytics. Through them, we can see some results that make services more efficient and effective.
In this module we will analyze three main characteristics:
- How to improve services
- Transportation safety
- Efficiency in transportation
Transportation agencies use new technologies to improve services in the transportation system. Good planning can manage traffic flows and enable an undisturbed and steady movement between places.
- Transportation technology applications (possible route options, departure and arrival time/ accessibility, route punctuality, ticket availability, capacity)
- Cost of services and flexibility
- Detect accidents, manage transit operations and traffic signals systems
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Intelligent transportation system are making driving and traffic management better and safer.
- Technology allows vehicles to continualy communicate, so each driver is aware of others’ speed and direction
- Safety on personal belongings
- Use of technology to collect data that will be used to predict the probability of an accident
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in London is a driverless line which is connected to the London Tube network. It is an automated light metro system serving the Docklands area of London. The DLR is improving and become more accessible to help customers with accessibility needs. Read more in the below article: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/dlr/improving-the-dlr?intcmp=25179
People with disabilities need transportation, while public transportation needs to become more accessible for disabled persons and seniors. Cities should do more to install ramps on pavements and taxis, provide elevator access in subways, and maintain railway carriages wide enough to accommodate both wheelchairs and those standing. The transit needs to be more accessible and improvement strategies need to be implemented in transportation options such as:
- Improve the convenience, comfort, safety, reliability and affordability
- Speed of transport options which includes walking, cycling, automobile, taxi and public transit.
A guide published by the Health and Welfare Ministries of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church mention that “mobility for all means advantages for all.”
There are currently more than 1 billion disabled people in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) a disabled person is anyone who has “a problem in body function or structure, an activity limitation, has a difficulty in executing a task or action; with a participation restriction”.
A couple of exceptional figures of disability around the world, according to the WHO’s 2011 report can read more in the below article :
https://www.inclusivecitymaker.com/disabled-people-in-the-world-in-2021-facts-and-figures/.
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Transportation can be made more efficient with technology by making the movement of people easier, faster, and less costly while minimizing time, energy, and costs.
- Lower fuel costs
- Cut travel time and reduce parking fees
- Digital tickets, and decrease paper consumption
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More that half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. Even though urbanization can bring a lot of benefits, it can also put a strain on a city’s transportation system with negative results such as traffic congestion. Unfortunately, many urban areas today don’t have the resources to properly address these challenges.
- Traffic congestion increases vehicle emissions and unfortunately, takes its toll on people’s health
- Digital innovations are now improving people’s lives and opening opportunities for the public. With road accidents increasing, several digital technologies are at the forefront of reducing these numbers.
- People today expect increasing digitalization of mass transport, especially since this will make their commute easier and faster!
The article below offers more details… https://tinyurl.com/7r6e2htu.
Mr. Rudolf Giffinger analyzed an effective instrument for the positioning of the cities by developing the Smart City Model as you can see in the picture below.
An interesting definition given by Caragliu, DelBoand, and Nijkamp (2011, p.6): “…When investments in human and social capital and traditional (transport) and modern (ICT) communication infrastructure fuel sustainable economic growth and a high quality of life, with a wise management of natural resources, through participatory governance.”
You can read and learn more regarding this topic in Module 2, Unit 1.
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