Following a decade of breaking down silos, Public Transport Operators (PTOs) and Authorities (PTAs) have increasingly embraced standardisation and modularity. Today, these advancements allow all of them access to their own vehicle telemetry data through ITxPT-compliant Vehicle Communication Gateways, available FMS data, and industry communication standards like MQTT. However, despite these strides, there are still significant obstacles to fully utilising the treasure trove that vehicle telemetry data represents.

The Landscape of Vehicle Telemetry Data

Vehicle telemetry data offers a wealth of information that, when properly harnessed, can revolutionise public transportation. From real-time monitoring to predictive maintenance and route optimisation, the potential applications are vast. Yet, many PTOs and PTAs find themselves in uncharted territory, struggling to navigate this new landscape effectively.

Challenges in Data Utilisation

From the perspective of PTOs and PTAs, gaining comprehensive access to vehicle telemetry data remains a challenge. While vehicle manufacturers are opening up more data for customer use in real-time and analytics, this process is gradual. The crux of the issue lies in the fact that this is the customers' data, and they should have the upper hand. However, the current pace at which data access is expanding is slow, causing frustration and limiting the potential benefits.

Another significant challenge is the integration of data from various sources. Many PTOs and PTAs have access to data provided by vehicle telemetry, charging, planning, and other system suppliers. However, the real value is often not realised because these data sources are not effectively cross-pollinated. System suppliers excel in their specific domains—be it AVMS, charging, or eco-driving—but their proprietary software suites often create new silos that hinder holistic data utilisation.

Approaches to Overcoming Challenges

To fully leverage the power of vehicle telemetry data, a two-pronged approach is necessary:

Vehicle manufacturers need to accelerate the opening up of data access to customers. This includes providing more real-time data and analytical capabilities that can be harnessed for improved decision-making. Customers should be equipped with the tools and rights to access and utilise their data comprehensively. This will require ongoing dialogue and collaboration between manufacturers and customers to ensure that data sharing is both effective and secure.

A lower-hanging fruit is to maximise the use of data already available from various system suppliers. This involves creating platforms and solutions that allow for the integration and cross-pollination of data from different sources. By doing so, PTOs and PTAs can unlock significant additional value that is currently underutilised. For instance, integrating real-time and planning data can lead to more efficient operations and better service delivery.

Our Role at PubSub

At PubSub, we have taken a proactive approach by combining our long-term business experience from PTAs and PTOs and European standardisation expertise with our partner company's software development team, working closely with customers to tailor solutions that cater to their real needs. This collaborative approach ensures that the solutions we provide are not only technically sound, but also aligned with the operational goals of our clients.

The journey towards fully utilising vehicle telemetry data is ongoing, with significant challenges to overcome. However, by enhancing data access and facilitating integration, PTOs and PTAs can unlock the full potential of their data. At PubSub, we are committed to helping our clients navigate this landscape, ensuring they gain real value from their data.

Feel welcome to discuss how we can help you make the most of your vehicle telemetry data. Together, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for innovation and efficiency in public transportation.