Seminar provides insights into efficient e-bus operation

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Many cities have already decided to introduce IT e-mobility solutions, but the road to successful implementation often remains unclear, said INIT at a recent seminar it organised in Karlsruhe.

Governments have set e-mobility targets, and support the way forward with public funding explained Mona Mühlback from the Department of Electromobility and Vehicle Innovation at the Baden-Württemberg (Federal State of Germany) Ministry of Transport, who discussed possible sources of state subsidies at both federal and national level.

The seminar also highlighted the perspective of public transport providers.

For example, Jean-Marie Gerbaulet of the Verkehrsbetriebe Hamburg-Holstein described the specific requirements of an e-depot concept, while the former deputy chairman and technical director of Hamburger Hochbahn AG, Ulrich Sieg, explained how a structured preparation process helps implementation. Public transport companies have to meet numerous challenges in this process, and these were explored by Martin Schmitz, Technical Director of the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV).

(l to r) Achim Becker, member of INIT’s management board, Martin Schmitz, Technical Director of the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), Mona Mühlback from the Department of Electromobility and Vehicle Innovation at the Baden-Württemberg (Federal State of Germany) Ministry of Transport, Jean-Marie Gerbaulet of the Verkehrsbetriebe Hamburg-Holstein, Ulrich Schmidt, Managing Director initplan GmbH and Heiko Bauer, Managing Director of CarMedialab)

How the challenges could be met, and the successful implementation of e–buses can be achieved, was outlined by INIT. Operational information systems are playing a key role in ensuring efficient e-bus fleet operation, it said.

INIT combines multiple essential functionalities in one integrated solution: from e-simulations providing the basis for fundamental decisions, charging management, and vehicle range prediction, to extended functionalities in existing information systems, including planning, ITCS, depot management, and vehicle dispatching.

INIT customer, MAN Truck & Bus, utilises the e-simulation module of initplan GmbH in its consulting projects. Michael Voll, Head of Transport Solutions Network Analysis, explained how MAN is able to have a 360° view on strategic challenges, to overcome them, and avoid misguided investments.

As a supplier of integrated planning, dispatching, telematics and ticketing systems for buses and trains, INIT has been assisting transport companies in making public transport more attractive, faster and more efficient for more than 35 years.

Today, more than 600 customers rely on its hardware and software solutions.