Automatic Passenger Counting System for buses

An Automatic Passenger Counting System (APCS) is an onboard system installed on buses that automatically monitor passenger flow. They typically come in the form of optical sensors which are mounted above the entry and exit doors. Older technologies, such as infrared beam sensors, treadle mat sensors and load cells on the bus suspension, are not used in Singapore.

Real-time passenger loading data gathered from APCS benefits the management, scheduling and planning of public transport services. The combination of historical data and real-time calculations makes passenger flows more transparent, enabling authorities to keep track of demand levels and make adjustments to the bus service if necessary.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is responsible for bus procurement and their specifications since the start of the Bus Contracting Model (BCM). The LTA has likely made APCS systems a requirement for buses procured starting from late-2017, along with other onboard systems like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and Anti-Fatigue Systems, as every new bus is fitted with such a system.

AFS Systems in use

Hella Aglaia APS-R-PoE

The APS-R-PoE passenger counter is supplied by German company HELLA Aglaia Mobile Vision GmbH. It counts boarding and alighting passengers with high accuracy (typically >98%) using 3D image processing algorithms to analyze the flow of people. It offers real-time occupancy monitoring in an area, with video recording for count verification. Captured data can be stored internally or transmitted via ethernet for broadcasting.

iris IRMA MATRIX

The IRMA MATRIX passenger counter is supplied by German company iris-GmbH infrared & intelligent sensors. A highly proven product, it uses a 3D sensor matrix measuring the distance from objects, coupled with Time-of-Flight technology which enables highly accurate identification of persons as well as objects like baggage, wheelchairs, strollers or bicycles. The system is fully operational even in adverse lighting conditions.

3DIS (3D Image Streaming) technology transmits the sensor images in real-time while recording the data, thereby allowing a subsequent evaluation of the counting accuracy without the need for any personnel for manual counting.

TNT Surveillance T-APC

More details on this product are to be confirmed.

Eurotech DynaPCN 10-20

The DynaPCN 10-20 passenger counter is supplied by Italian company Eurotech. Using stereoscopic cameras and high-luminosity infrared LED indicators, it works on a wide range of environmental conditions.

(Defunct Trial) Solva People Counting

A Passenger Counter from Solva People Counting was previously trialled on a Scania K230UB.

See Also:

• Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for buses
• Anti-Fatigue Systems for buses

External Links & References:

• Automatic passenger counting systems for public transport – Intelligent Transport (Accessed 12 Oct 2020)
• APS-R-POE Brochure [PDF] (Accessed 12 Oct 2020)
• T-APC – TNT Surveillance (Accessed 12 Oct 2020)
• IRMA MATRIX – iris (Accessed 12 Oct 2020)
• DynaPCN 10-20 – Eurotech (Accessed 12 Oct 2020)
• Bus Passenger Counting Singapore – Solva (Accessed 12 Oct 2020)

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