5G in public transportation

The introduction of 5G networks around the world offers unprecedented opportunities for various industries. One sector that can benefit from faster and more reliable connections is public transportation. The impact of 5G on public transportation can both improve customer experience and increase system efficiency. Here are some ways 5G can help:

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Faster and more reliable connections

5G offers a faster and more reliable connection than 4G. This means that public transportation passengers can access information about departure times, route information, tickets and other relevant information more quickly. Moreover, this improved connectivity could allow train, streetcar and subway operators to track their vehicles more accurately and manage them more efficiently.

Customer Experience
Reliable and free Wi-Fi in public transport is nowadays a standard expectation of passengers of buses, trains, ferries, streetcars and subways. This – along with the increasing adoption of local transportation apps and contactless payment solutions – means that the mobile Internet connection must be robust and strong enough to handle multiple users and support vital vehicle safety and functionality systems.

Not only does 5G connectivity offer more bandwidth, but 5G network functions also support network slicing. Allows IT administrators to customize and prioritize security and bandwidth needs based on traffic type. So drivers, smartphone scrollers and everyone in between are always connected and safe.

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Advanced ticketing

With 5G, public transportation companies can implement advanced ticketing systems that make it easier for travelers to buy and use tickets. This may include, for example, the use of mobile ticketing and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. Which means travelers can use their phones to buy tickets and access vehicles. Mobile ticketing for public transportation not only reduces theft by limiting cash transactions, but also virtually eliminates the need for physical contact.

Contactless payment systems require high availability and priority over other network traffic. WWAN for vehicles allows agencies to separate transactions for payments and fareboxes from other network traffic in the vehicle. Thus, connectivity is always ensured.

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Increased security

With 5G, public transport companies can implement advanced safety systems to prevent accidents and other incidents. This could mean, for example, equipping vehicles with advanced sensors to track the location and movement of other vehicles on the road, reducing the risk of accidents.

Also, 5G connectivity allows cameras inside and outside the vehicles to transmit live and recorded HD video footage to headquarters or stations. These images not only help reduce incidents on the road, but can also help with the validity of accident reports. IoT sensors on board can also count the number of passengers boarding and disembarking, which can provide life-saving data for first responders in an emergency.

More efficient vehicles

5G can be used to improve vehicle efficiency through smart technologies. By equipping vehicles with sensors and advanced analytics systems, public transportation companies can monitor and optimize vehicle performance. For example, this can reduce the energy consumption of trains, lowering costs and reducing environmental impact. But telematics data such as tire pressure, temperature, oil volume and even driving behavior (sharp turns or hard braking) can also be monitored remotely via a wireless broadband connection.

In short, the introduction of 5G networks in public transportation offers numerous opportunities to improve customer experience and increase system efficiency. By investing in 5G technologies, public transport companies can expand and improve their services.

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