When we think of large-scale transit systems, consisting of heavy rail, light rail, tram, and bus, and cycling traffic, we might think solely of the vehicle fleet and stations, but big data is what has enabled systems in the Netherlands to grow increasingly full-proof and customer-driven. After visiting the headquarters of HTM, the company tasked with providing bus and tram services to the Hague and its surrounding areas, transit planners exposed to us the ability of big and open-source data to increase accountability for service quality and transparency for transit users.
By using AVL and EBS data, HTM is able to compare actual arrival times to nominals, as well as constantly monitor and record information on system punctuality, lost trips, service level, operating speed, and infrastructure interactions at utmost precision. Their information, obtained through sensors, is updated on ovradar.nl, an open data platform. Using this information MDRH, the transit authority for the Hague which appoints HTM as a service deliverer can fine it in case expectations are not met, as well as set benchmarks for system performance. The OV-chip card, a Netherlands-wide SmartCard system, record important and detailed user information from every trip with a unique identification number. This provides valuable information about volumes, turnover, capacity, distance travelled and forecasts so that HTM can make adjustments to their services accordingly. Data collected is also represented visually through maps, such as heat maps to visualize the frequency and capacity to adapt the system.
While every transit system has something unique to offer to the world of transit improvement and no system is without flaws, cities around the world ought to investigate the Dutch transit system's quality control, transparency, and accountability through its advanced data collection methods.
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| HTM trams run frequently and punctually, as capacity and information about arrivals are constantly monitored |
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