Creation of an interface that provides information based on real time data, introduction of a PA system, implementation of a control system for buses: The passenger information system that Funkwerk developed and installed for the regional transport operator Transports de Martigny et Régions (TMR) is characterised by three major aspects. The system not only helps the operator, it also offers an excellent information service for the passenger.

Data transmission from the signal box

The transport operator TMR operates the Mont-Blanc Express and also the Saint-Bernard Express in the Swiss canton of Wallis. The Mont-Blanc Express connects Martigny across the national border with France – this sets special demands on the system.

The passenger information system used by TMR was introduced in 2014 and has been continuously expanded since. It was recently expanded to include a control centre function in compliance with the guidelines of the Federal Transport Office (BAV); this means that reports are received in real time from the signal box system ILTIS (integral control and information system) and then sent to the passenger information system on the station platforms and also to the Internet and BAV. Travel time forecasts for the trains are continuously calculated from these ILTIS reports and a daily timetable is provided including information about arrival times, departure times and platform changes.

Thanks to the available timetable management system, the information manager can enter or supplement timetable and route network data or future scheduling plans easily in advance. This means that timetable periods can be managed automatically.

The timetables for rail traffic, buses, cable cars, cableways and funicular railways are also managed in the system for the multi-modal passenger information system. Interfaces to SBB’s Customer System (CUS) ensure the supply of passenger information regardless of the specific traffic carrier. The required data is automatically processed, analysed and issued, which in turn reduces manual input by the information manager to a minimum even in exceptional cases.

An integrated dashboard improves the efficiency of the processes

Passenger information systems by Funkwerk have an integrated dashboard for timetable and passenger information. This user interface gives the information manager an overview of the entire network in a topological and graphic form. This is where timetables can be checked and managed, stationary equipment can be controlled, current train routes including connection or alternative-related properties can be monitored and business incidents controlled. The connected content management system allow digital content to be added, organised and processed. Shared content, such as train departures, weather information and adverts, can be displayed on the screens.

High-performance hardware in an individual design

The design and layout of the 46” or 47” TFT screens that were installed at the stations of the Walliser Transport Operator are specifically tailored to the operator’s requirements. The displays are highly suitable for the extreme environmental conditions of the region, for example direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. The system inside the casing is based on web technology that allows the content generated in the content management system to be displayed.

Introduction of a modern PA system

Another important milestone in the expansion of the passenger information system was the introduction of an IP-based PA system. The solution of the product family Cura^®, also by Funkwerk, allows multilingual automatic announcements using Text-to-Speech technology. In addition to the display systems, acoustic announcements now also provide travellers with the most important information quickly and without barriers.

Installation of a control centre for bus traffic

In addition to the passenger information system, the control centre system for buses was also upgraded to meet the TMR requirements in 2020. The buses were equipped with a specially developed Cab radio so that real-time information for the Internet and BAV can be provided. This system uses an LTE data connection to continuously send GPS position reports to the control centre system so that it can calculate travel time forecasts.

Creation of an interface that provides information based on real time data, introduction of a PA system, implementation of a control system for buses: The passenger information system that Funkwerk developed and installed for the regional transport operator Transports de Martigny et Régions (TMR) is characterised by three major aspects. The system not only helps the operator, it also offers an excellent information service for the passenger.

Data transmission from the signal box

The transport operator TMR operates the Mont-Blanc Express and also the Saint-Bernard Express in the Swiss canton of Wallis. The Mont-Blanc Express connects Martigny across the national border with France – this sets special demands on the system.

The passenger information system used by TMR was introduced in 2014 and has been continuously expanded since. It was recently expanded to include a control centre function in compliance with the guidelines of the Federal Transport Office (BAV); this means that reports are received in real time from the signal box system ILTIS (integral control and information system) and then sent to the passenger information system on the station platforms and also to the Internet and BAV. Travel time forecasts for the trains are continuously calculated from these ILTIS reports and a daily timetable is provided including information about arrival times, departure times and platform changes.

Thanks to the available timetable management system, the information manager can enter or supplement timetable and route network data or future scheduling plans easily in advance. This means that timetable periods can be managed automatically.

The timetables for rail traffic, buses, cable cars, cableways and funicular railways are also managed in the system for the multi-modal passenger information system. Interfaces to SBB’s Customer System (CUS) ensure the supply of passenger information regardless of the specific traffic carrier. The required data is automatically processed, analysed and issued, which in turn reduces manual input by the information manager to a minimum even in exceptional cases.

An integrated dashboard improves the efficiency of the processes

Passenger information systems by Funkwerk have an integrated dashboard for timetable and passenger information. This user interface gives the information manager an overview of the entire network in a topological and graphic form. This is where timetables can be checked and managed, stationary equipment can be controlled, current train routes including connection or alternative-related properties can be monitored and business incidents controlled. The connected content management system allow digital content to be added, organised and processed. Shared content, such as train departures, weather information and adverts, can be displayed on the screens.

High-performance hardware in an individual design

The design and layout of the 46” or 47” TFT screens that were installed at the stations of the Walliser Transport Operator are specifically tailored to the operator’s requirements. The displays are highly suitable for the extreme environmental conditions of the region, for example direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. The system inside the casing is based on web technology that allows the content generated in the content management system to be displayed.

Introduction of a modern PA system

Another important milestone in the expansion of the passenger information system was the introduction of an IP-based PA system. The solution of the product family Cura^®, also by Funkwerk, allows multilingual automatic announcements using Text-to-Speech technology. In addition to the display systems, acoustic announcements now also provide travellers with the most important information quickly and without barriers.

Installation of a control centre for bus traffic

In addition to the passenger information system, the control centre system for buses was also upgraded to meet the TMR requirements in 2020. The buses were equipped with a specially developed Cab radio so that real-time information for the Internet and BAV can be provided. This system uses an LTE data connection to continuously send GPS position reports to the control centre system so that it can calculate travel time forecasts.