Multinational ICT firm Huawei has launched an intelligent transportation system solution targeting the commercial bus industry.

The solution was unveiled at the i-Transport & UATP Conference and Exhibition 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

It leverages IoT capability to provide a variety of safety and security services such as in-bus video surveillance, accurate passenger tracking, emergency services communication, real-time bus health data analysis and allows for a host of multi-media services for passenger entertainment.

The Huawei ITS integrates ICT technology and intelligent algorithms to support traffic data centres, Internet Protocol Multiprotocol Label Switching (IP MPLS) and optical transmission network, video surveillance platforms and other ICT infrastructure in order to build a comprehensive unified traffic management platform.

It is applied to monitor and control urban traffic to improve traffic safety and efficiency, and includes features such as traffic signal control, electronic policing, traffic flow data collection and traffic guidance, through an integrated traffic management command control centre.

"By enabling high-speed internet connectivity to buses, stakeholders can also access high-definition in-bus video surveillance to monitor driver and passenger status, analyse driver performance, highlight potential safety issues such as suspicious passenger activities and even allow for swift connectivity to emergency services in the event of an accident or crime," the company has stated.

According to Huawei the solution also includes cutting-edge video surveillance to enhance passenger safety. '

"IP cameras can be installed on the inside and outside of the bus, at the front and rear end, to provide a holistic view of the vehicle's surroundings. Live video data is captured and sent to the command centre so that road conditions and driver or passenger activities can be monitored. In the event of an emergency, a button is available for the driver to press and alarms are sounded at the command centre. The video data will make it possible for the centre to respond to incidents immediately," the company states.

A smart card and e-ticketing system is also featured and this lets the command station oversee passenger numbers and verify passenger identities.

Smart city

The newly introduced solution is a key component of Huawei's ongoing contribution to the rollout of technology and systems to support smart city development.

Alex Du, Managing Director, Huawei Enterprise South Africa, says while there are no formal deals in place as yet, the company is in discussion with interested stakeholders.

Du said the platform itself can be delivered quickly, but the approach is to liaise with clients to identify core requirements and then customise the solution accordingly.

"We are also engaging with local partners to develop apps that can be integrated," said Du.

"Next-generation intelligent transportation solutions should enable the transport sector and travellers to achieve agile operation, convenient user experience and enhanced safety," he added. "With an integrated design and an open platform, the solution will be able to help bus operators reduce maintenance costs, enable the offering of additional value-added services, and overall traveling experience for South African passengers."

Though no details can be confirmed at this stage, Huawei believes the solution can be applied to a number of industry verticals across Africa.