Alstom is set to showcase its Optimet real-time train occupancy technology at the UITP summit in Montreal.
The product promises to enhance passenger journeys on metros by influencing them to board carriages that are less crowded.
In turn the system – which has been developed by Metrolab and launched by Alstom – will ensure a smoother flow of passengers on platforms, boost onboard comfort and optimise capacity.
The current problem is that passengers crowd into carriages not knowing if there are spaces elsewhere.
Optimet real-time train occupancy shows the level of occupancy per car via a colour LED strip (red, orange or green) above station screen doors, which stretch all along the platform to encourage an even distribution of passengers.
While the train is standing at the station, sensors count the number of people getting on and off, and the degree of occupancy for each area of the train is recalculated.
The doors then close and the data is processed and interpreted and sent to the next station to be displayed on its screen doors.
Alstom’s metro product director Laurent Robert said: “Nowadays we are all using metro and, especially during peak hours, we are having difficulties entering or leaving trains and are not travelling in the best conditions.
“The objective of Optimet real-time train occupancy is to improve the passenger exchange time and have a better onboard comfort.”
