Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
On a secondary level, many of the functionalities described in the following are
beneficial to pedestrians and public transport users, although they might use different
functionality and perform different tasks:
Mobile communication. It is likely that 4G (fourth generation) systems will be
available in the near future, with, compared to GPRS and 3G mobile communications
much more emphasis on design and functionality that is appropriate for older and
disabled users. Facilities like synthetic speech output, more accurate positioning, high-
quality digital maps and location-based information will become widely available.
Smart cards. Smart cards have been around for several years now. However, until
recently they were not widely used in transport. Smart cards enable customization of
service delivery to individuals based on the user's needs, for example how a person
prefers to use a ticket machine. They are commonly used to store value (as cash
replacements) and are therefore used in ticketing systems, e.g. Oyster card in London.
Smart-card schemes now exist throughout Europe for transport and other applications
(in the Netherlands a national wide public transport smart card is introduced). Future
developments will include wider use of vicinity cards (up to two metres range from the
reader), and an increase in the amount of information carried.
Verbal communication with information systems. People will be able to
communicate verbally with vehicles or information screens. This functionality will
become available when computers are able to translate human speech.
Intelligent agents. People will be immersed in communication networks that adapt
themselves to the needs of individuals, and can serve them by taking instruction and
performing tasks. Agents are embedded in everyday objects, e.g. people, vehicles,
infrastructure and buildings, and provide personalized services and information based
on needs, context, habit, etc. Hand-held devices or personal wearable devices (e.g.
watches and bracelets) would communicate with wall-mounted displays. The networks
are unobtrusive, personalized, adaptive, anticipatory and most importantly they are
designed to respond to the needs of individuals. A “pervasive” intelligent environment
can support ageing populations providing independence and easy seamless access to
services.
Personalised multimodal services. The aim is to provide seamless, multi-modal travel
information. Journey planners are commonplace today, as are online ticket purchasing
opportunities. Personalized services are becoming available whereby only relevant
information is supplied and in an appropriate accessible format.
Roadmap 7. Pedestrian Mobility and Public Transport.
Short term
Mid term
Long term
4G mobile technology
Mobile devices designed
with older people in
mind e.g. simplified
layout, large keypad and
screen, availability of
alternative output modes
 
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