Digitalization in public transport requires IT infrastructure

Digitalization in public transport is on the move – and that’s a good thing. Many transport companies and associations are increasingly focusing on the needs of their passengers. Projects around digital timetable information, real-time disruption management, WiFi in the vehicle or micro- and activity-related map services around stops clearly show that the will for digital transformation is there.

But if we are honest, many of these projects fall well short of their potential. Not because there is a lack of ideas or commitment. But because a crucial aspect is often overlooked: the IT infrastructure.

If the systems don't speak, digital progress falls silent

Software solutions for public transport are widely available on the market today and are constantly being further developed. But as soon as it comes to sensibly integrating these solutions, projects quickly encounter infrastructural hurdles. There are often problems with missing interfaces, incompatible systems or outdated platforms.

A key reason: The system landscape in the public transport world is highly fragmented. Tenders are often carried out selectively without considering strategic IT networking. In addition, the federal structure in Germany with different tariff systems, organizational structures and technical levels of maturity makes it difficult to create uniform, comprehensive solutions.

The result: Individual digital solutions remain isolated island solutions – with high maintenance intensity, limited functionality and limited benefits for passengers and operators.

From our practice: References, use cases & voices about the industry

Find out more about how PROTOS already supports public transport in Germany.

We don’t just need software, we need a modern IT architecture

If digitalization is to be truly effective in public transport, we must see IT infrastructure as a strategic foundation – and not as an afterthought.

At PROTOS Technologie we meet this challenge with a clear approach:
We create cloud infrastructures that connect systems and make collaboration possible.

Long-term standards are important – but we can start now

In order to overcome hurdles, we need long-term uniform standards for data formats, interfaces and IT security requirements in public transport. But we cannot wait until these are defined and introduced at all levels.

With our experience and our hands-on mentality, we at PROTOS already ensure that projects do not fail due to infrastructural limitations. We act as the missing link between existing systems – stable, secure and future-oriented.

Conclusion: If you are serious about digitalization, you have to think about IT

Digitalization is not an app project. It is a system project. Only those who understand IT infrastructure as an integral component and plan it strategically will be successful in the long term – economically, operationally and with a view to the needs of passengers.

PROTOS Technology helps to take this perspective – and bring it into reality with technical excellence and pragmatic implementation power.