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B | Spring 2022 | PBSS: Station Network and Technology
  • Student VENKAT DOSHI
  • Code PUM21395
  • Faculty Management
  • Tutor/s Gayatri Doctor,Himadri Panchal,Manish Vadanere,Tithi Kansagra

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A PBSS has its core in its cycles and stations, but it is successful based on its station network and it is limited based on technology. The station network (the placement and number of stations) is crucial in the planning of the system. Technology is often overlooked in such a service but it is the limiting factor to achieving the best imaginable system. The operational costs, the energy, and the maintenance as well as integration into existing infrastructure limit a PBS in any city of the world. 

There are seven aspects to the urban mobility problem. To counter these, the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan was introduced in 2013 by the European Commission. One of its focus features is Non-motorised Transport (NMT). Although NMT has a modal share of 50% in India, it has not received concrete recognition in any national policies till AMRUT 1.0 where NMT was given 2% fund allocation in cities. This too has been removed in AMRUT 2.0. In Ahmedabad, MyByk started in 2014 as a private entity, but it failed. It was relaunched in 2018 under Amdabike in SCADL under the permit based model. Currently, MyByk has 5000 cycles in Ahmedabad of which 3200 are active in the PBS system whereas the others are under a different model at Riverfront.
Currently, MyByk has 384 stations spread across the city. However, based on the catchment area of 300m walking distance, it only covers about 31% of the considered city of 234 sq km from the 505 sq km of actual city bounds. Based on visual interpretation, the stations are all placed along the BRTS routes and there are various spots that do not have any connectivity. This shows that station network has not penetrated to various areas. When these spots are placed on the land use plan of Ahmedabad, it is found that these spots lie in high density areas like residential, commercial, mixed use and walled city area. Furthermore, on visiting various stations at different times of the day, a few issues are found on the placement of the station at site. All of these have contributed to the recommended proposal for placement of stations.
The placement of station can be categorized into two categories: on the map (macro parameters) and at site (micro parameters). Based on the observations, case studies and secondary research, the two parameters are listed out. These parameters are for the initial placement of the stations and need to be modified over the years based on demand analysis and changes in the public transport. For the purpose of this exercise, a simplified site suitability analysis was conducted to place stations. Based on this, 800 stations are required in Ahmedabad. Placing 6 cycles at each station, 4800 cycles are required. 10% of cycles are considered for standby.
Currently, MyByk is operable only through the mobile application. As mentioned, technology is the limiting factor of a PBS, it is important to understand the locking and unlocking mechanism. This mechanism can be summed up to the following question: How does MyByk know that a cycle has arrived at the station? The above diagram explains this. Furthermore, the payment mechanism was understood. It was found that there are no cash payments options currently. A survey was conducted to find out the preferred mode of payment for potential users. It was found that about 57% preferred a physical mode of payment. This is also aligned with the vision to provide an equitable service.
The method to get a physical mode of payment and cash payment is through an RFID card. There are multiple methods to integrate such a card. However, Ahmedabad has an existing system which can be used for this exercise. Details on how to get a card and how to add money will remain the same. Logistical issues regarding cash collection and so on would not exist for the PBS. However, the existing system at BRTS for the card is possible due to a few reasons mentioned which are not readily available for a PBS system (namely, electricity, safety of equipment, and space). The detailed calculations costs, process charts and requirements for a new card system through a self collection system can be found in the drive link.
There are certain limitations to integrating the existing system to a PBS. Some simple solutions are mentioned to resolve these limitations, however, there is a networking limitation. Networking is the process of transferring data from one point to another. This is the actual limitation and challenge of technology. Networking will be required from cycle to station, station to office, office to server, and from server to mobile and then vice versa. The point of concern is the networking from station to office. Cheap infrastructure is available for the rest.
A detailed comparison of all three options of networking are in this slide. Further specifications for the physical components can be found in the drive link shared. Comparing the various features, limitations and costs, it is most feasible to proceed with GSM on Stations to solve the networking issue. However, as a Smart City, it would be better to work with LoRa due to its wide range of applications that do not require much operational cost and electricity requirements.
The ideal process for a new user after getting a card has been mapped here. This is the abridged version. The detailed version can be found in the link shared. A proper swimlane chart with all decisions and possible solutions needs to be mapped before proceeding.
The ideal process for a user after reaching the destination has been mapped here. This is the abridged version. The detailed version can be found in the link shared. A proper swimlane chart with all decisions and possible solutions needs to be mapped before proceeding. There are certain service level benchmarks and KPIs that can be considered to analyse the efficiency of the operators and system. There are also other technological KPIs and Benchmarks, as well as procurement benchmarks that should be considered.
The reason for looking at alternatives for payment method as well as technological aspects are to get benefits. These benefits have been mentioned here.