Overcrowding, empty runs, and dissatisfied passengers!
By capturing passenger flows at stops as well as in buses and trains in a privacy-compliant manner, a reliable real-time picture of actual public transport utilization is created for the first time. Sensor-based counting systems record boarding, alighting, and dwell movements in an anonymized way, without any personal reference, and continuously provide the data.
All collected information is centrally aggregated, analyzed, and visualized in real time within Pallax. This gives transport operators and public authorities a seamless overview—from individual vehicles to routes and hubs, all the way up to the entire transport network. On this basis, peak loads can be identified, timetables optimized, and capacities managed in a targeted manner.
The resulting real-time data is also fed directly into digital passenger information systems, for example on digital signage displays at stops, inside vehicles, or within mobility apps. Passengers are transparently informed about current occupancy levels and receive situational alternative options, such as e-scooters, shared bicycles, or alternative routes, helping to actively balance and relieve traffic flows.
Automated Passenger Counting (APC) systems
By analyzing behavioral patterns—such as recurring peak times, transfer relationships, or stop-level frequencies—network planning, service design, and resource allocation can be optimized over the long term. Empty runs are reduced, overcrowding is avoided, and the overall quality of public transport is measurably improved.
AI-powered passenger counting for real-time mobility data
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VDV-301, VDV-457, IPxPT
The solution with our partner Xovis is fully designed to be GDPR-compliant and consistently avoids the use of personal data or the identification of individual passengers.
The system architecture follows relevant VDV recommendations (including VDV 301 / 454) as well as ITxPT standards for interoperable, vendor-independent onboard systems and interfaces—making it future-proof, easy to integrate, and operationally robust.
Xovis APS-R / APS-B sensors with people and object detection
In addition to pure passenger detection, bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs can also be reliably identified.
This creates a much more differentiated picture of how vehicles and stops are actually used—going far beyond traditional passenger counting.
These additional insights enable transport operators to better assess capacity requirements and vehicle types in a targeted and data-driven manner.
Copyright Xovis AG
Insights into the share of bicycles, passengers with reduced mobility, or strollers feed directly into strategic decisions around vehicle procurement, interior layout, and route planning. This allows elements such as door concepts, multi-purpose areas, or seating arrangements to be optimally aligned with real-world usage patterns.
Based on the data centrally aggregated in Pallax, existing vehicles can also be utilized more efficiently through adjustments to the onboard infrastructure—such as routers, displays, or passenger information systems. The result is better-utilized vehicles, improved passenger comfort, and a demand-driven, future-ready public transport offering.
