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RMV introduces passenger forecast software in Frankfurt

Posted: 11 September 2020 |

Trip plans showing occupancy predictions as “too high” will suggest alternative connections that have a lower estimated passenger count.

RMV introduces occupancy forecast software in Frankfurt

German transport association Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV) has recently implemented a new software that predicts passenger numbers. RMV passengers planning their trip via the mobile website can now check the estimated number of passengers along their route prior to departing.

The main goal of the project has been to restore passenger confidence in local public transport. “Our top priority is that our passengers get on buses and trains with a feeling of security – even in times of corona,” said RMV Managing Director, Prof. Knut Ringat, at the official introduction of the new feature in Frankfurt. “With the new occupancy forecast, our passengers now benefit from a tool that helps them plan their trips even better. Unlike in long-distance transport, we don’t have access to reservation data – this makes us pioneers in Germany when it comes to load forecasts in local public transport.”

The occupancy forecast is based on the combination of connection requests from the RMV’s trip planner as well as mobile ticket purchases. The data is stripped of any personal information before it is aggregated and processed; this ensures that the data remains anonymous.

In order to make these estimates more accurate, an additional calibration factor is created by using real counting data from the Frankfurt underground trains, trams, buses and the RheinMain S-Bahn. In addition, the self-learning algorithm takes into account predictable external influences such as construction sites and any major events in its forecast.