A presentation by Ronald Salis (Solution Sales Manager: T-Systems South Africa (Pty)Ltd), at the Transport Forum SIG: "Cost Effective Public Transport Management Systems" on 12 May 2016 hosted by University of Johannesburg. The theme of the presentation was: "Cost Effective APTMS"

1. How can APTMS costs be
reduced?
Ronald Salis
10 July 2015
Cell: 082 469 6506
Email: ronald.salis@gmail.com

2. Is there a need for APTMS & are we deriving the full
benefit?
2
2
Key discussion topics
What are the challenges and what is driving the costs up?3
How can the costs be reduced?4
How does the current system operate?1
Are there alternatives other an APTMS?5

3. APTMS OVERVIEW

4. Planning/
Scheduling
Feedback/
Optimize
Operate/
Monitor
Passenger
info
Incident
management
Planning
Demand
management
Efficiency
Cost savings
BRT APTMS Objectives

5. Reporting
Voice
Communication
Passenger
information
Monitoring-
AVL/SAC/
incidence management
On Board System /CCTVSignal Priority
Planning & scheduling
APTMS
features

6. THE NEED FOR APTMS?

7. Contracts management
Incident management
Performance management
Planning & schedule adherence
Demand management
Real-time information
Improved efficiency
Reliable service
Advanced control
Benefits
APTMS provides an extensive range of benefits
Are we realising
these benefits in
full ?
Efficient movement of passengers
Greater performance in controlled environment
BOC, stakeholders
Passenger information
Reports & data analysis
Consistency when goals achieved – European & Gautrain
experience

8. CURRENT APTMS CHALLENGES &
COST DRIVERS

9. Challenges
9
Implementation
Specifications
• Specifications too complex
• Not sticking to APTMS core functionality - APTMS core
constitutes 40-50% of total system cost
• Bids cover for any shortfalls in
• Financial, skills shortages, risk mitigation, lack of system
environment, systems not related to transport scope
• Changes in timelines
• Scope creep
• System environment conditions, signing off
• Raw planning data
• Data-set, Stops etc.
• Lack of APTMS implementation skills
• DoT, decision making

10. Challenges
10
Operational
Challenges
• Stakeholder management - Philosophy “rule by stick & not
incentivised”, restrained partnerships
• DoT
• APTMS skills set shortage
• Used for contracts management – penalise philosophy
• Prescriptive not partnership
• BoC
• Use system to find loopholes
• System not embraced – punitive
• Running system in live environment complex
• Supplier maintenance
• Operations requirements from ITS provider
• Lack of operational experience
• High maintenance costs

11. Challenges
11
Operational
challenges
Passengers
• Unfamiliar with system capabilities
• When system works public comment
• System under utilised

12. HOW CAN WE REDUCE APTMS COSTS
WITHOUT LOSING THE BENEFITS

13. Need for
APTMS
Do we need ALL
the benefits?
Benefits being
realised?
Are there
alternatives?
Core system
Fleet management?

14. Key area to address
14
Stakeholder
management
Contracting
Implementation
gaps
System
People
• Customisation to SA market for core functions

15. Feature Functionality Benefit Experience /challenges Core
Scheduling Route and trip planning tool Fundamental tool for
operations. Ensures for complex
planning tasks done accurately.
Changes to route and timetable
plan can be done timeously
Operational skill set
Duty Rostering Imported timetable can now be
created to tasks assigned for
drivers and vehicles ensuring
regulations are adhered to
BOC can execute planned
operation
Operational skill set
AVL/ Schedule
Adherence
Control/
Monitoring
Real time monitoring of vehicle
location. Real time status of
vehicles vs. planned operation.
Indicators to vehicles not adhering
to planned operation. Incident
Management
Allows advanced control of the
operation. Equips controllers
with information to ensure
service is being delivered. Non
compliance is easily identified
and intervention can made.
Data validity
Voice Comm Allows Control Center to speak to
driver and passengers
Queries and interventions can
be managed quicker
OnBoard AVA Announces Next Stop Informs passenger that are not
familiar with route when to
alight
Data validity
Stick to the core

16. Feature Functionality Benefit Experience /challenges Core
Next Stop
Display
Displays Next Stop Informs passenger that are not
familiar with route when to
alight
Data validity /not visible
in large
CCTV on bus Monitor and record footage. Security No live stream from
vehicles & can only be
examined after incident
Business
Intelligence
Reporting tool Allows for anylis and
optimization
only BI from provider can
be used
Emergency
Switch
Covert emergency switch to raise
alarm in critical situation. Alarm
signal amplified at CC for
immediate attention
Allows Control Center to listen
and make decisive actions
VMS at stations Real Time Information for
passenger in respect to bus time
arrival Special messages can be
displayed
Informs passengers to a
countdown of arriving busses
Data validity

17. Feature Functionality Benefit Experience /challenges
Non-core
options
Station
AVA(Comm)
Allows for Control Center to
make announcement to
passengers at stations
Passenger information can be
relayed
Dependant on PA system
(Station infrastructure)
APC Provides count info on
passengers aboard bus
Vehicle load can be known in
real time allowing dispatching
decisions to made. Count
reports provide use for need
analysis
Accuracy not 100%
Infotainment Used for providing various
formats of information regarding
the service including advertising
Passenger information and can
be used for generating
additional revenue
Not used
TSP Sends request to traffic signal
system requesting priority when
running late
Allows busses to adhere to
planned schedule
Currently using outdated
technology Not a
complete system taking
into account affects to
other
Licence Plate
Recognition
Detect number plates and alert
non registered vehicles using
designated lanes
Lane Control. Deterrent to
defaulters
Integration to law
enforcement authorities
required for action
required

18. Feature Functionality Benefit Experience /challenges
Non-core
options
CCTV on route Monitor and record footage.
Security provision
Security
Fibre Communication network Allow system connection High cost
Fleet
management
Vehicle status monitoring Analysis of driver behaviour
and diagnostics for vehicle
maintenance

19. ALTERNATIVES - FLEET
MANAGEMENT?

20. • AVL systems were initially designed for
basic applications such as
– Route planning (delivery and pick-up)
– Security (cargo protection, stolen car recovery)
– Navigation (commercial fleets, taxi‘s)
– Emergency response (Police, Ambulance)
• Never designed for large urban vehicle fleets
• Never designed for public transport
• What they don‘t do is offer the added functionality
and flexibility of today‘s APTMS systems

21. Other key areas to address
21
Stakeholder
management
Contracting
Implementation
gaps
System
People
• BRT Implementation team
• Manage scope creep
• Learn from other implementations
• Contracts management
• Contract over a shorter period
• No loopholes in contract
• Honor contracts
• Incentivise for good performance
• Reward for correct behavior
• Partnerships between all stakeholders
• Upskilling of resources
• Training
• Outsourcing skills for limited time

22. Questions