Mauritius has introduced a passenger information service as part of an initiative to modernise the transport system across the country. It is using IoT tracking technology from Slovenia-based mobility technology provider LIT Transit in the first phase of the programme.

Alan Ganoo, minister of land transport and light rail in Mauritius, launched the service as part of a National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) initiative to modernise the transport system across the country.

Mauritius is embarking on its quest for a world-class transport system, putting initiatives and infrastructure in place to promote public transport. In this endeavour, the government is investing heavily to improve the quality and capacity of the public transportation system. It started by appointing PwC India o carry out a study on reengineering public transport in Mauritius. It recommended this project as the first step of a strategic transformation.

Following a tendering process, the NTLA selected the smart mobility platform from LIT. This provides integrated mobility management and passenger information capabilities.

“We are pleased to help the NLTA advance their vision towards a world-class transportation system, by helping them take maximum advantage of the very latest technological capabilities in smart mobility and public transit management,” said Tomaž Račič, vice president of sales at LIT.

The technology integrates the LIT Operate transit management and LIT Inform passenger information systems developed by LIT, with e-paper bus stop displays supplied by Papercast. This first phase incorporates three transit operators with 365 buses along routes servicing 34 bus stops.

“The passenger information system project responds to the demands of modern life,” said Ganoo. “People want control over their journey, with quick links to public transport transfers. They need to know when and where their transport will arrive, and our bus system needs to adapt to this need.”

The LIT Operate platform also gives the NTLA real-time visibility of activity across the network for the first time, with live performance stats for key service indicators. Access to detailed operational insights enables NTLA to adapt services and respond to demand, improving the overall quality of services.

“We strive for the whole public transport system to be managed in a holistic and integrated way,” said Ganoo. “Our goal is to offer quick and direct links to transport hubs, with smooth transfers. We want to ease commuter frustration with long trips on congested roads.”

The platform captures and processes data from the fleet using the IoT tracking technology from LIT. The LIT Predict arrival prediction engine makes instant adjustments to improve accuracy and generates ETA data compliant with global open data standards. This travel information is then made available to commuters in real time via the e-paper displays installed at the bus stops and the Maubis mobile app.