Launched in the context of the Drive program, the Cassiope Project will assess standards for future computer-aided bus operating systems and demonstrate the feasibility and profitability of the proposed architecture on pilot applications implemented in public transport companies. While todays' operating processes (for tasks such as scheduling, real time control, passenger information, fare collection, maintenance, strategic planning, management information) rely on a manual approach or specific computerised tools used only in one or a few domains, Cassiope aims at defining a new generation of integrated systems, where all data used by separate functions is part of a general database. Function-oriented modules are defined, general database. Function-oriented modules are defined, with identified inputs or outputs (formats, physical interfaces, etc.), so that (i) any operator can build his customized system from a kit, by using the modules he needs and (ii) any supplier is able to provide software or equipment addressing the module requirements. Operator needs are known at two levels: a large survey of 119 public transport companies realised in 1989; and the feedback of a panel of nine major European bus networks (cf partners above). Cassiope mainly concentrates on off-line functions (including passenger information and fare collection), whilst another project (BARTOC) deals with on-line functions. Around one hundred elementary functions useful for bus operators have been specified by their technical content, the data they use, their interfaces with other functions. More than 300 main data flows have also been defined. To obtain a common understanding of all these concepts, French, English, German glossaries of terms used in new technologies applied to public transport have been prepared and computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools have been used. For future systems, improvements are sought in the following directions: use of artificial intelligence, ergonomics, Esprit results re-utilization. The Drive environment is also taken into account, as it may provide standards (in the database, communication, fare collection fields) and therefore savings. The latter point is important: existing systems are expensive. Only cheaper products can be widely distributed all over Europe. Three demonstration projects, based on the building of a Cassiope compatible database, are currently being prepared on prototype developments in the following domains: a) interactive passenger information terminal; b) inter-operability of scheduling software; and c) use of fare collection records to produce management information (MIS).
Samenvatting