In the future, public transport will play an even more important role than before; it offers the most sustainable and climate-friendly alternative to individual motorized transport. At the same time, operators are obliged to make their services smarter in order to retain passengers or increase passenger numbers.

Dynamic passenger information systems for trains and buses

Digital passenger information systems with corresponding interior displays in the vehicle and information boards at the station, are now a basic requirement for passenger comfort. With the planned Smart Cities project, in which many European cities are participating, intelligent services are becoming increasingly important.

Depending on capacity utilization, weather conditions and states of emergency, these adapt dynamically to the respective needs.
Thus, modern passenger information systems must be appropriately networked in the sense of dynamic passenger information and be capable of exchanging relevant data in real time.

Passenger information systems from FELA - manufacturer with 20 years of experience

FELA has been a manufacturer of passenger information systems for almost 20 years. We place particular emphasis on high-quality workmanship and 100% tailor-made passenger information systems.

From screens and displays, audio systems, video systems, on-board computers and network components to expertise in passenger counting and software for management and control: our portfolio includes everything your future passenger information system needs.

An individual solution – also in mechanical terms – is just as much a part of it as flexible scaling or the connection to our ticketing system.

With our longstanding experience, we also offer the necessary know-how for refit projects that require safe operation in mixed and multiple traction.

We work according to recognized standards and help harmonize your (timetable) data. In this way, we ensure reliably functioning and future-proof passenger information systems without unnecessary administrative effort.

Perfect interaction: passenger information systems from a single source

Passenger information systems in buses and trains consist of many different individual components. They are part of the FELA product portfolio, selected according to the highest quality standards and perfectly adapted to your requirements thanks to years of experience.

Discover in the virtual tour, the FELA components in the “Saphir” of the Aargauer Verkehr, AVA.

We installed HMI operating panels, 21.5″ TFT single and double monitors, PAN audio systems, front and side displays, the FELA telephone box, passenger intercom and GSM gateways and ensured optimum networking.

Passenger information systems

PAN Audio System

CCTV System

Train Communication System

The most obvious part of the passenger information system consists of the optical components. We supply TFT monitors with flexible mounting concept, HMIs for the driver’s stand and the side and front indicators for train and bus, streetcar, cable car or ship.

Announcements and emergency intercoms are also part of a passenger information system. We supply all components from amplifiers to locomotive driver microphones.

Video surveillance systems increase security for passengers and protection against vandalism. FELA also supplies front and rear cameras for trains and buses, providing additional security for operators, engineer train drivers and waiting passengers on the platform.

Our network components provide the necessary train (land) communication. We provide Ethernet switches, routers and antennas for both wired and wireless data transmission inside and outside the vehicle.

Refit of passenger information systems

Refit projects for passenger information systems are particularly challenging. To be cost-efficient, existing infrastructure must be maintained as long as possible. Nevertheless, investments must never come too late, as this could cause failures or declining passenger numbers.

The bridge is formed by so-called mixed and multiple tractions. In this way, passenger information systems from different vehicle types or suppliers can be operated simultaneously. Outdated trains or buses can be gradually replaced by new ones without disrupting ongoing operations. FELA analyzes the current situation, plans the necessary project steps and develops the necessary components to ensure smooth communication between old and new systems until the final commissioning.

Communication of passenger information systems: Data hubs

Standardized interfaces and protocols are essential for smooth communication of passenger information systems in refit projects, but also to ensure future-proof systems in new vehicles.

The Customer System Integration Platform (CUS) is managed by SBB (the Swiss Federal Railways), but connection to it is now mandatory for all public transport companies – in effect, creating a national data hub. All timetable and real-time data of the connected companies are delivered to it in the VDV 453/ VDV 454 format, exchanged and re-installed fed back into the passenger information systems.

Standardization and harmonization of data

FELA bases the development of its passenger information systems on the specifications of the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) and thus uses the standard that enjoys the highest acceptance on the market and offers the best possible flexibility.

We were currently the only system supplier to go live with FELA’s own connection to CUS at the beginning of February 2022. This was so far unique for a system supplier. Operators and future customers are thus independent in their choice of transport association or transport company.

The services we provide at the start of a project also include in-depth timetable data harmonization in accordance with current standards. In doing so, we draw on the expertise of long-standing experts.

Software for passenger information systems: POIScentral and POISmobile

The used software solution POIS, especially developed for passenger information systems, consists of POIScentral, for the administration in the backend or control center, and POISmobile, for the operation in the frontend or in the vehicle.

The functional scope of POIS can be individually combined by means of flexible software modules, depending on the specific project requirements. They include functions such as data import / export, HMI operability, control of sub-systems such as audio, video or automatic software updates.

The software is designed to control ticketing and POS systems via the FIS. Thereby the software modules POIS for the passenger information system merge with the software EasyDrive for cash register applications.

Passenger information systems from FELA: Your advantages

The FELA company

FELA relies on fifty years of experience. Developing and networking components and software for rail, bus, streetcar and logistics: our core competence. For highest quality. Swiss made.

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