Automotive
The role of embedded computing in modern public bus transportation
By Stéphane Blanc, sales director, Europe - transportation sector, Advantech
A
s cities across Europe seek to modernise their public transport infrastructure, the bus – a key component of the transport system – is
undergoing a quiet revolution. Behind the scenes, data-driven technologies and rugged edge computing platforms are enabling a new era of intelligent mobility that promises improved efficiency, safety, sustainability and passenger satisfaction. At the same time, public transport operators face a complex mix of challenges. They must balance cost efficiency with carbon reduction, offer a seamless user experience, and comply with ever-evolving safety and accessibility standards. Coupled with this is the fact that they’re often doing so while dealing with legacy systems, unpredictable passenger volumes, and growing demand for real-time data and control.
In this challenging environment, reliable and adaptable technology infrastructure is
18 July/August 2025 Components in Electronics
critical. From predictive maintenance and real-time fleet monitoring to automated driver assistance and passenger analytics, today’s intelligent transport systems (ITS) rely on robust hardware at the edge – installed in buses and control centres – to process data securely and reliably at the point where it is generated.
The role of rugged edge computing Unlike consumer electronics or general- purpose IT hardware, embedded computing platforms for transport must withstand
wide temperature variations, vibration, and power fluctuations. They also need to be compact, low-maintenance, and capable of integrating with a wide array of sensors and systems including video feeds, vehicle diagnostics, GPS, wireless networks, and ticketing machines.
Edge computing plays a crucial role in enabling real-time decision-making while reducing reliance on cloud infrastructure. It allows for faster response times, greater data privacy, and more resilient operations in areas with poor or intermittent connectivity.
Applications driving intelligent mobility
Some of the most promising developments in public bus transport today include: Predictive maintenance
By collecting and analysing diagnostic data from vehicle subsystems, operators can identify issues before they cause failures; this helps reduce unplanned downtime, improve safety, and optimise maintenance.
Real-time fleet management With continuous location tracking and condition monitoring, control centres can dynamically adjust bus routes, respond to incidents, and improve service punctuality – all while gaining deeper insights into day-to-day operations.
Passenger counting & analytics Advanced sensors and cameras track boarding and alighting data – helping operators optimise scheduling and vehicle allocation. These insights also support strategic planning at the city level, informing infrastructure investments and service design.
www.cieonline.co.uk
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