Digital guidance in complex public transport environments

Purpose and goal:

Focus groups provided insights for a digital companion system, including the need for customizable information and real-time navigation. The input led to a GNSS/GPS based system, with directional accuracy challenges. A congestion metric adjusted navigation according to congestion levels. The project developed app for navigation and service for composite trips. Tests at Linköping´s travel center showed the system´s usability and potential as a complement to existing aids

Expected results and effects:

An increased understanding by owners of the infrastructure to maintain both the physical digital infrastructure. In-depth knowledge of the project´s parties to incorporate the generated knowledge into commercial services, either through procurement (public transport actors) or development (software developers). One such example is that sound-based aids can be of great help also in other visual impairments and that there is a need to explore alternative hardware in addition to phones for navigation.

Approach and implementation:

The project´s results have benefited both from the breadth of competences that participated in various activities and from the fact that the consortium worked together in the previous project. The pandemic delayed the project noticeably which affected what was ultimately tested. It would have been beneficial if also a municipality (ie owner of central digital local map data) participated as participant.