Passenger Information Systems: 8 Key Metrics for Measuring Success

Whether you operate a rail, bus, or other public transportation system, a passenger information system (PIS) can enhance the rider experience and provide actionable insights that help you increase efficiency.

Understanding how to measure the success of these systems is crucial. That way, you can optimize to ensure they deliver the best possible value to both your transit business and your passengers.

The Importance of PIS in Modern Transportation

A robust, dynamic passenger information system can provide:

• Real-time updates
• Arrival and departure times
• Delay information

And because information can be displayed in several ways and places (such as onboard passenger information systems, mobile apps, and digital signage), those utilizing your means of public transportation can stay informed about their journey at all times.

By staying so informed, riders can make timely decisions, leading to a more enjoyable travel experience.

8 Metrics for Measuring Passenger Information System Success

1. Reliability of the Information Provided

Without accuracy and reliability, a passenger information system isn’t much help. A system, such as those we offer here at XenaTech, should consistently deliver up-to-date information.

How can you measure success? The percentage of correct:

• Updates
• Average delay times
• Scheduled vs. actual arrival times

Are essential indicators to evaluate.

2. System Availability

While a passenger information system needs to be reliable, it also needs to be available. If your train passenger information system is always down, the flow of information can be brought to a halt, leaving riders with no way of accessing travel information. When measuring success, be sure to track system availability and uptime, looking for stats above 99%.

3. Passenger Utilization

You can have the greatest rail or bus passenger information system in the world, but it serves no purpose if your riders aren’t using it. Therefore, knowing how often travelers engage with your system is another important metric in measuring its success.

Look for information on interactions per trip to gain insights into how often passengers engage with the system. If you see low use, a lack of user-friendly features may be to blame. Try incorporating digital screens and mobile apps to encourage riders to engage with the system more.

4. How Many Passengers “Opt-In”

One of the most compelling features of a passenger information system is its ability to provide real-time, dynamic updates. This includes live notifications about route alternatives and delays. Knowing how many passengers opt-in to receive such alerts can help you better understand the system’s impact.

5. Response Time

If there’s a life-threatening emergency to deal with, such as a dangerous fire, but there’s a 15-minute lapse in sending alerts out through your system, that doesn’t offer the immediate assistance your business needs. The ability of a PIS to deliver accurate, actionable information is critical, especially during emergencies.

The faster your passengers can receive important updates, the safer and more efficiently your transit agency can handle disruptions.

6. Integration Capabilities

A dynamic passenger information system shouldn’t be a standalone operational tool; it should seamlessly integrate with your other operational systems, such as scheduling and fleet management. Metrics that track how well a PIS integrates with existing software and hardware are essential for gauging success.

7. Ridership Numbers

One of the most tangible indicators of a successful passenger information system is its impact on ridership. Look at how many people utilized your form of public transportation both before and after implementing a PIS. Such a direct comparison can give insight into how well your system is being received by passengers. Strong retention rates and an increase in new passengers onboard could indicate your system is adding value and enhancing rider experiences.

8. Increased Revenue

You want to improve passenger experience but also boost overall revenue; the right passenger information system can do both. That’s because increased ridership can directly translate into more revenue. Plus, with help from additional services like mobile ticketing, targeted advertising, and premium services, your system could generate revenue beyond basic transportation functions.

Partner With XenaTech for a Successful Passenger Information System

Here at XenaTech, we offer modern passenger information systems complete with advanced technologies that provide exceptional travel experiences while optimizing your operational performance. Choose from our two available consoles or talk to us about your current needs; we can develop a system tailored to your requirements. Get started today!