Global Positioning System Reference
In-Depth Information
High accuracy is needed, <10m, with second-by-second positioning
measurements. Sporadic hotspot wireless access may be needed (e.g., at refueling
stations) for updates of local charging schedules and downloads of map segments
driven or credit units. There is a requirement for legal enforcement and assurance
of system performance and contingency plans for any system failures. An
alternative partial approach may be offered by use of extensive video surveillance
and (number plate) recognition systems. Ideally a dedicated system is needed with
quality guarantees, which is one major advantage of Galileo. There is a need to
include GIS for toll and premium geo-fencing. Although there is no specific
requirement for real-time communications, it may be included as part of a wider
ITS service set.
4.4
Parking and Ticketing
Automatic parking charges for motorists and fare payments by public transport
users will be possible provided both vehicles and people carry the appropriate
Whereness technology (see Section 3.6.3). There may, however, be a need for
manual fallback systems. Automation implies the ability to “just travel” without
any thought of the payment systems, which should be, ideally, entirely automatic.
Systems could be extended to other forms of ticketing such as entertainment and
artistic performances, for the granting of access to buildings, and payment of
access charges for events and to facilities. Markets include:
•
Operators of vehicle parks;
•
Operators of public transportation (bus, train, tram, taxi);
•
Owners of buildings with charges;
•
Facilities managers with charges;
•
Box offices for theaters, cinemas, concert halls.
Benefits are lower costs by using a common platform across industries and
thus using the economies of scale across many businesses. Local authorities will
be encouraging carbon emission's reduction by promoting public transport with
“through ticketing” and easy modal shift. Facilitation of park and ride schemes
would be included. There will be less need for users to carry cash and a plethora
of cards and tickets, thus reducing the scope for fare cheating and crime. Systems
could be extended (with suitable validation safeguards) into car sharing schemes
by matching the position of potential passengers with partially empty vehicles.
Weaknesses will include gaining the agreement from multiple authorities.
Users will have to be persuaded to carry “technology” that could be as simple as a
universal RFID tag or as complex as a smart phone with GPS. There may be
public resistance due to Big Brother concerns and impatience if the systems are
not engineered robustly (a potential problem, given the dependence on wireless).
