Bergen’s bus fleet is driven by renewable energy. (Photo: © Keolis | Leo Grandpierre)
For real-time monitoring of their buses, the web-based LIVErtpi is Keolis’ software of choice. The proven solution from the Finnish INIT Group member Mattersoft Ltd. is used to track the vehicles’ location as well as their punctuality. In addition, it monitors the vehicles’ current State of Charge (SOC) to ascertain whether the remaining range will be sufficient to complete the bus run. All information is presented in well arranged, map-based views allowing the Keolis staff to identify issues quickly and easily. The staff also receive alerts about any incidents which occur on the network.
Schedule adherence is calculated in the central LIVErtpi system. Therefore, it has been connected to the pre-existing system landscape at Keolis Bergen. Timetable data as well as the GPS positioning and State of Charge (SOC) of the buses are sent by ITxPT interfaces via technology that was already in place. Just like the SaaS approach, this concept saves on investment costs.
One main advantage of the solution: Computers with an up-to-date web browser in the control centre are the only hardware needed to access all the features of LIVErtpi online.
Having implemented e-buses, one of the key challenges for transport operators is the efficient and reliable management of their charging process. In order to meet this challenge successfully, Keolis Norway puts its trust in the smart charge management system MOBILEcharge from INIT Group’s CarMedialab GmbH. The software ensures that the buses are always available for service on time, properly charged and pre-heated or pre-cooled. By making ideal use of the available charging periods, MOBILEcharge can keep the power costs to a minimum.
Keolis decided to charge the buses not en route but only when they are in the depot. So from June 2020, Bergen’s Mannsverk depot was adapted to the requirements of electromobility and equipped with the necessary charging infrastructure. MOBILEcharge has a diagnostic function to ensure that Keolis Norway has always the full overview and control of the entire charging infrastructure. While the electric buses are connected to the charging points, vehicle-specific data such as State of Charge (SOC) or battery parameters are transmitted to the central application. MOBILEcharge will detect errors in the charging process so that measures can be initiated automatically by the system or by staff members. Here too, only a modern web browser is needed to use the software which is hosted in Karlsruhe – no further installation is required.
Mona Halvorsen
Bus COO Keolis Norway
Key Account Manager
INIT GmbH
Germany
