Passenger counting methods used in public transportation can either be manual or automated. Although many transportation companies have decided to stick with manual passenger counting, some evidence indicates that automatic passenger counting systems are more reliable. One reason is that the data collected by counting passengers manually is prone to human error.
This is because the accuracy of the count depends on the mood and capability of the person conducting it. For example, the accuracy of the data that is being collated by the person carrying out the survey is threatened when he begins to feel tired or hungry. This is the reason that transportation companies are beginning to turn to automatic passenger systems.
In this post, we will take a quick look at the advantages that automatic passenger counting systems have over manual passenger counting.
Benefits of Automatic Passenger Counting Systems
There are several reasons that you should consider going for automatic passenger counting systems rather than counting passengers manually. The most important is that they are more efficient and accurate than manual passenger counting.
Here are some of the benefits of automatic passenger counting systems:
· COST-EFFICIENCY:
One of the benefits of using automatic passenger counting systems on public transportation is that it helps minimize operational costs. The operational efficiency of automatic passenger counting systems helps companies develop effective ways that they can utilize their resources. The data provided by these systems, help companies identify underserved or underutilized routes and stops. This helps them to reorganize their routes, helping them maximize the use of their vehicles.
· IMPROVING THE OVERALL EFFICIENCY OF TRANSIT PLANNING:
The data provided by automatic passenger counting systems helps companies accurately predict traffic patterns on their routes. This helps them identify heavy traffic routes, allowing them prepare ahead before embarking on any journey. Every automatic passenger counting system affects the overall efficiency of transit planning differently. Hence, the need to do proper research to find more information about the one your company intends to use.
· IDENTIFYING AND ADDRESSING VALID COMPLAINTS OF PASSENGERS:
Most public transportation companies have to deal with passenger complaints now and then. However, the challenge has always been distinguishing between valid complaints and invalid ones (complaints that come as a result of the error of the passenger). The camera support system of the automatic passenger counting system helps the management of the company identify the complaints that need immediate attention, improving the experience of their passengers.
· MORE THAN THE NUMBERS:
Automatic passenger counting systems do more than provide data about the number of passengers in a vehicle. Some of them can differentiate between transport-related objects such as bicycles/wheelchairs and baggage. They often contain sophisticated sensors that help in determining the space necessary for the installation of access ramps for the wheelchairs in the vehicle.
· USING REAL-TIME DATA TO HELP GUIDE PASSENGERS:
Automatic passenger counting systems help save operational time by guiding passengers to the seats available in train units when they are sitting on the platform. They are often built to imitate the color-coded system of traffic lights so that they show the location of vacant seats in incoming trains.
· IT HELPS IN DETERMINING REVENUE:
One of the obvious benefits of automatic passenger counting systems aside from their accuracy is that they function round the clock. They often come with 3D sensors that help them in collecting unique data such as the number of pieces of transport-related equipment, adults, and children in the vehicle. This helps the companies to adjust their operations and services in such a way that it aligns with international standards. This unique feature provides them with the data they need to predict their revenue.
Analyzing data helps companies make decisions that will improve their revenue, enhance productivity, and identify future trends. This is what automatic passenger counting systems offer to public transportation companies.
