Guiyang Public Transport Co builds smart platform

State-owned Guiyang Public Transport Co has accelerated its transformation in recent years by developing digitalized public transport. One such development is the Guiyang Smart Public Transport Operations Brain Platform, commonly known as the Transport Brain.

The development of the Transport Brain began in 2019. It aims to promote intelligent and precise dispatching of public transport capacity and automate the management of operational planning.

The first phase of the Transport Brain has been completed. It covers the Public Transport Big Data Resource Center, the Public Transport Infrastructure Collaborative Management System, the Public Transport Big Data Decision Support System, and the Smart Scheduling System. These systems enable the digitalization and visualization of basic information, such as bus stops and routes.

The bus brain is used by staff members of Guiyang Public Transport Co to monitor the operations. [Photo/Guiyang Daily]

The Smart Scheduling System from the first phase has allowed the re-planning of bus route allocations. This system can automatically generate timetables and duty schedules, offering optimized allocation suggestions and visual simulations of operational plans. The Nanming Branch of Guiyang Public Transport Co began utilizing this system in July.

After implementing the Smart Scheduling System, the Nanming branch allocated 362 buses across 27 routes, a reduction of 19 buses compared to April 2022, before the system was in place. The average departure interval during the morning peak increased by 1.45 minutes, and the evening peak increased by 1.3 minutes. Operational mileage was reduced by nearly 85,000 kilometers, while passenger flow increased by 175,500.

A resident checks the bus route through the Bus Online APP. [Photo/Guiyang Daily]

By the end of 2023, Guiyang Public Transport Co used Transport Brain's passenger flow analysis function and found that the passenger travel needs of Buses Nos 1 and 2 in Guanshan were concentrated between Jinyang Hospital and the Guizhou Financial City direction. The loop operation mode was no longer suitable for the current travel needs in that area.

Guiyang Public Transport Co merged the two routes and launched the new No 95 shuttle to reduce inefficient operational mileage and make it more convenient for residents to access medical services.

"Since the launch of No 95 at the beginning of this year, it has become very convenient to reach major hospitals in Guanshanhu district, including Jinyang Hospital, Guanshanhu Branch of the Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, and Daqin Oncology Hospital," said Sun Defang, a resident in her 70s living in Shijicheng community, Guanshanhu district.

A resident pays bus fares by scanning her online payment platform QR code. [Photo/Guiyang Daily]

Guiyang Public Transport Co is currently working on the second phase of the Transport Brain project, which has a focus distinct from that of the first phase.

The first phase emphasized the creation of foundational databases for bus depots, routes, stations, and speed limit points to provide data for subsequent smart developments.

The second phase focuses on connecting the metro network, using passenger flow data to attract new passengers, and implementing route adjustments throughout the process, extending the first phase's achievements.