In 1990, RATP embarked upon experiments which led to the development of some particularly innovative tools that have now been installed. In this paper, the author considers the implementation of some of these in the domain of public transport: (1) The Contactless Pass, developed with Lisbon, Venice and Constance in the framework of ICARE, a European project, has brought about a revolutionary fare collection system with multipurpose applications, unmatched reliability and safety, and a very reduced maintenance cost. Several manufacturers, towns, Transport Networks and European Service Companies have already shown their interest in this top-of-the-range particularly economical product, which could become the standard of tomorrow; (2) GPS vehicles location, jointly with related applications makes it possible to improve passenger safety, to provide them with consistent real-time information and to improve bus operations; and (3) Passenger Information Systems, providing passengers with exhaustive information in the Ile-de-France Region at home, just before and during their journey.
Abstract