Yucatan Uses User Data to Improve Public Transportation

The government of Yucatan has implemented a data-driven approach to optimize the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of the IE-TRAM electric transportation system, inaugurated in December 2023. Daniela Flores, Director of Electromobility, Yucatan Transportation Agency, presented this initiative at the Smart City Expo Latam Congress, highlighting the importance of data obtained through various sources such as the bus platform, chargers, GPS, validators, and passenger counters.

During her presentation, Flores pointed out that the analysis of IE-TRAM data makes it possible to answer critical questions related to battery consumption according to schedule or month. The director also highlighted how heat waves last May affected bus battery consumption, a situation that could be efficiently managed through proper planning to adjust for increases in consumption, allowing necessary adjustments to be made without affecting the user experience.

"(Heat) is the main challenge for the electrified public transport system. Data revealed that one of the three IE-TRAM routes experienced greater difficulties in terms of battery consumption due to road infrastructure conditions," said Flores. Faced with this problem, Flores pointed out the benefit that this type of information has provided, allowing the government to anticipate weather changes and adapt service accordingly.

In addition, data makes it possible to identify peak and off-peak times, optimizing bus availability according to demand. Battery consumption patterns can also be determined, identifying operators with the best performance in terms of energy efficiency and establishing the most opportune times for battery recharging, not just limited to the night.

Flores also addressed energy supply as a crucial aspect for the success of electric public transport. He stressed the need to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the energy sector, noting that, as qualified users, they have access to more competitive rates and renewable energy. This is essential to maximize the benefits of the electromobility strategy, ensuring that the energy used to charge batteries comes from clean and sustainable sources.

"There is no point in having electric buses or an electromobility strategy if we do not couple it with a strategy of what energy I am charging these batteries with," the director added, reported by DLP News. "It should not be a transportation problem; it is an energy sector problem."

Implementing a data-driven public transportation system in Yucatan has several significant implications. As the consulting firm T-Systems points out, a reliable digital transportation system allows for real-time data exchange and networked forms of mobility to travel efficiently. "This system reduces congestion, improves safety and supports new technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and smart cities," reads its website.