With SmartMMI technology, public transport passengers can receive up-to-date information about their journeys – directly on their adjacent train window. SmartWindows is an intelligent data integration system using situational filtering and context-based visualisation of information.
For the past year and a half, five partners from industry and research have been working on a project, funded by the research initiative mFund of the German Federal Ministry for Transport and Digital Infrastructure. The aim is to provide passengers with comprehensive up-to-date information – for instance in the event of delays or changes – throughout the mobility chain. Passengers can also access information about the route they are taking or touristic destinations along the way through the SmartWindows.
It’s a shiny gadget. We don’t need more shiny gadgets sucking money from doing the basics properly
Operators need to fix basics first:
* accurate informative basic train displays on trains and in stations (retrofit to the LCD panel ones as seen in recent Siemens trains)
* call points in stations (and on trains) staffed by people who have good information, good sense of geography, and a brain (I had a particularly bad experience during a disruption a couple of months ago where all 3 were lacking)
* Wifi on trains and in stations that works all the time, liaising with mobile phone operators to fill in connectivity gaps. Most people will use their own devices these days
* charge points on trains, maybe in stations
* good operator websites and apps, with links out to local tourism.
One plus-point: it might make sure they line the seats up with the windows (…possibly)
@MilesT
I agree with you that all the basics need to be addressed, especially up to date and accurate information, at all points on the rail network.
However train window displays provide a screen to provide this, and additional information, to passengers, where they can easily read it.