Mauritius updates public transport system with information technology

The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail in Mauritius has officially launched a new Passenger Information Service (PIS) as part of a National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) initiative to modernise the transport system across the country. Technology from LIT Transit Ltd, a global provider of mobility technology solutions, was used to deliver this first phase of the programme.

In this endeavour, the government is investing to improve the quality and capacity of the public transportation system. It started by appointing PwC India to carry out a study on reengineering public transport in Mauritius, who recommended this project as the first step of the strategic transformation.

Following a thorough tendering process, the NTLA selected the smart mobility platform from LIT. The solution is said to offer integrated mobility management and passenger information capabilities.

“We are pleased help the NLTA to 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 solution integrates the transit management and passenger information systems (LIT Operate and LIT Inform respectively) 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. 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,” said Hns. Alan Ganoo, Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail.

The LIT Operate platform also reportedly 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, with the aim of improving the overall quality of services. 

“We strive for the whole public transport system to be managed in a holistic and integrated way. 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,” added Alan Ganoo.