Download PDF
Tel Aviv’s bubble
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
- Networks & Connectivity - Cellular
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Public Transportation Management
- Remote Asset Management
- Smart City Operations
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
In April 2019, Via partnered with leading transit operator Dan Transportation to launch bubble Dan — the largest subsidized on-demand public transportation pilot in the world. Israel’s Ministries of Finance and Transportation initiated the pilot program to explore how dynamic, on-demand public transit can provide a compelling alternative to private vehicles, thus relieving the country’s road congestion.
About The Customer
Dan Transportation is a leading transit operator in Israel, known for its extensive network of public transportation services. The company has a significant presence in Tel Aviv and surrounding cities, providing reliable and efficient transit solutions to thousands of commuters daily. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Dan Transportation has been at the forefront of integrating advanced technologies into its operations. The partnership with Via to launch bubble Dan demonstrates the company's commitment to reducing road congestion and enhancing public transit accessibility. By leveraging on-demand technology, Dan Transportation aims to offer a flexible and convenient alternative to private vehicle use, thereby contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.
The Solution
Working closely with both Ministries and Dan, Via customized its technology for the on-demand service, which now serves a 40 square kilometer zone in Tel Aviv and the surrounding cities of Bnei Brak, Ramat Gan, and Giv’atayim. Bubble allows riders to easily book on-demand, shared rides using an iOS or Android app. Via’s proprietary routing algorithm directs riders and drivers to nearby Virtual Bus Stops for seamless pickups and dropoffs, without lengthy detours or inconvenient fixed routes. In less than a year, bubble expanded its fleet from 40 to 100 vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses and wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs). Bubble’s vehicles are able to use dedicated public transportation lanes and all vans are equipped with an In-Vehicle Screen (IVS) that displays trip status to riders in real time. But it’s the flexibility of on-demand technology that makes bubble so distinctive. During each new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel, bubble dynamically adapted its services to transport essential workers in and around Tel Aviv. Operators implemented new safety measures, such as limiting vehicle capacity to ensure social distancing, and added five new cities and all of the main hospitals in central Israel to the service zone. At the beginning of 2020, bubble launched its “bubble for Business” service, giving companies a way to ensure their employees can get to work efficiently and safely, without contributing to rush hour traffic.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
Related Case Studies.
Case Study
Turning A Stadium Into A Smart Building
Honeywell created what it called the “intelligent system” for the National Stadium in Beijing, China, turning the venue for the opening and closing events at the 2008 Summer Olympics into a “smart building.” Designed by highly controversial artist Ai Weiwei, the “Bird’s Nest” remains one of the most impressive feats of stadium architecture in the world. The 250,000 square meter structure housed more than 100,000 athletes and spectators at a time. To accommodate such capacity, China turned to Honeywell’s EBI Integrated Building Management System to create an integrated “intelligent system” for improved building security, safety and energy efficiency.
.png)
Case Study
Smart Street Light Network (Copenhagen)
Key stakeholders are taking a comprehensive approach to rethinking smart city innovation. City leaders have collaborated through partnerships involving government, research institutions and solution providers. The Copenhagen Solutions Lab is one of the leading organizations at the forefront of this movement. By bringing together manufacturers with municipal buyers, the Copenhagen Solutions Lab has catalyzed the development and deployment of next-generation smart city innovations. Copenhagen is leveraging this unique approach to accelerate the implementation of smart city solutions. One of the primary focus areas is LED street lighting.
Case Study
Airport SCADA Systems Improve Service Levels
Modern airports are one of the busiest environments on Earth and rely on process automation equipment to ensure service operators achieve their KPIs. Increasingly airport SCADA systems are being used to control all aspects of the operation and associated facilities. This is because unplanned system downtime can cost dearly, both in terms of reduced revenues and the associated loss of customer satisfaction due to inevitable travel inconvenience and disruption.
Case Study
IoT-based Fleet Intelligence Innovation
Speed to market is precious for DRVR, a rapidly growing start-up company. With a business model dependent on reliable mobile data, managers were spending their lives trying to negotiate data roaming deals with mobile network operators in different countries. And, even then, service quality was a constant concern.
Case Study
Buoy Status Monitoring with LoRa
The Netherlands are well-known for their inland waterways, canals, sluices and of course port activities. The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure indicates that there are thousands of buoys and fixed items in and near water environments that would profit from IoT monitoring. One of the problems with buoys for example, is that they get hit by ships and the anchor cable breaks. Without connectivity, it takes quite some time to find out that something has happened with that buoy. Not to mention the costs of renting a boat to go to the buoy to fix it. Another important issue, is that there is no real-time monitoring of the buoys at this moment. Only by physically visiting the object on the water, one gains insight in its status.
