5 Reasons Transit Agencies, Onboard Systems Need a Single Source of Connectivity

In the realm of transit, connectivity serves as the lifeline between communities and modes of transportation. Yet, there’s a second transformative connectivity concept that deserves attention — the Single Source of Connectivity.

Imagine it as the transit world’s “single source of truth” — a unified mobile internet solution across vehicles. This innovation doesn’t just connect; it revolutionizes operations, empowers data-driven decisions, and enriches the passenger journey.

Single Source Connectivity

Let’s demystify the term. Consider your onboard systems. How many mobile routers lie within your vehicles? Probably more than you think.

Think of it this way: Would you pack multiple pairs of shoes for every outfit, even with a spacious suitcase? The analogy applies to transit, albeit with a nerdy twist.

Here are Five reasons to think bigger with connectivity:

Streamlined Efficiency Through Consolidation

Picture this: Retrofitting vehicles with new technologies constitutes a significant portion of our capital expenditure. As funding wanes, the need for smarter solutions increases. And here’s where a Single Source of Connectivity shines. Redesigning onboard networks confronts two major challenges: constrained space and enhanced integration with existing systems. Imagine a streetcar — limited room, yet four mobile routers per car. One each for CAD/AVL, video surveillance, fare collection, and passenger Wi-Fi. The paradox? More hardware means more space consumed, resulting in redundancy — minus the benefits.

Simplicity Translates to Maintenance Brilliance

A Single Source of Connectivity boils down to a simple equation: Four routers equals four installations and maintenance chores. A singular, secure VPN solution? Simplifying it fourfold. For instance, seamless uploads of video surveillance footage can coexist with passenger entertainment content package updates during downtime. Efficiency, thy name is consolidation.

A Data Symphony through Consolidation

Data consolidation isn’t merely cost-cutting; it’s a gateway to amplified performance. Swift data processing empowers transit agencies to innovate in security, maintenance, and passenger engagement. But beware generic routers and data plans — they fall short on interoperability, integration, and data transfer.

Fusion of Functions for Optimal Value

Today’s technology performs multitasking miracles. Surveillance systems, once confined to safety, transcend to new frontiers. Why burden vehicles with separate video surveillance and APC systems when, with today’s advanced analytics capabilities, surveillance systems can exceed APC systems in both function and accuracy. One system triumphs.

Navigating the Wireless Streamline

Welcome to the era of digital transformation. The quest? Streamlined processes, investment, and communications. A Single Source of Connectivity unifies wireless realms, spanning cellular, trackside, satellite, GPS, and more. Bandwidth is aggregated, technologies switch intelligently, and conversations — and data — converge on a single channel.

In a world where MaaS streamlined payments, onboard connectivity yearns for a similar revolution. Connectivity silos must crumble, giving way to integrated brilliance. The transition begins by thinking big, embracing the unity of a Single Source of Connectivity. One system, infinite possibilities.