INIT online detour module wins innovation award

The Intermodal Transport Control Systems (ITCS) expert panel of the German Transport Association (VDV) presented the 2009 ITCS Innovations Award to INIT, a provider of ITS and fare control systems.

The jury based their decision on the fact that the innovative feature "online detour" is a practice-oriented and user-directed function for incident management. Previously, detours had to be considered ahead of time in the planning system. Now, with "online detour" in MOBILE-ITCS, current disturbances can be easily navigated at the spur of the moment. All necessary information is provided consistently to all subsequent levels, including vehicles, drivers and all real-time information systems.

With the new function, drivers now receive the detour and route information, as well as the adjusted schedule, on their onboard computers. In addition, they receive audible turn-by-turn instructions on the new route and a graphical interface.

In addition, the ad hoc defined detours and information on schedule changes are automatically transferred to the real-time passenger information system and published via connected media. Thus, passengers onboard as well as at stops receive correct information on the servicing of the stops and the actual departure times — even in the case of detours on short notice.

The new module is the result of the INIT ITCS Working Group, a cooperation of INIT and a group of colleagues from transportation companies.