SmarTone and KMB team up to enhance travel experience

Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) has partnered with SmarTone to launch a smart solution that applies image analysis systems in buses, aiming to advance the goal of smart transportation.  

By leveraging 5G, AI, machine learning and IoT technologies, the solution provides real-time information on passenger occupancy. Currently, SmarTone has installed overall bus capacity and remaining upper deck seat display systems in over 2,300 KMB buses. The smart devices installed near bus doors and in the upper deck can collect passenger boarding and alighting data, which is transmitted to the cloud via high-speed and ultra-low latency 5G network for real-time bus occupancy analysis.

KMB passengers can receive real-time information through its mobile application "App1933" and check the remaining number of seats in the upper deck by viewing the "On-Board Occupancy Display", enhancing the public transportation experience.

Meanwhile, passengers can view the approximate occupancy of upcoming buses in a visual format on the app. Upon boarding, passengers can first check the display screen before deciding whether to go upstairs for seats, minimising movement during travel. This 5G smart solution also enables KMB to access real-time passenger information, improving operational efficiency and fleet management.

Additionally, the 5G network enables real-time bus computer system and component performance monitoring, facilitating maintenance and repair schedules for all the buses to further improve service quality and safety.  Free 5G WiFi is also available for use on buses when travelling.

Back in August 2021, SmarTone strengthened its service offerings as it had co-launched the first batch of 5G Buses with KMB. A total of 20 buses were equipped with free 5G Wi-Fi services. Serving 10 urban and rural routes, these buses allowed passengers to use 5G Wi-Fi services for free. Every session lasts 30 minutes but passengers could enjoy unlimited log-in sessions a day. 

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