Automatic Passenger Counting Systems for Public Transport

Automatic Passenger Counting for Public Transport

Amid accelerated urbanization, the inefficiency of traditional manual counting has driven technological transformation. The Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) Systemfor public transport leverages IoT, AI vision, and edge computing technologies to build a coordinated, multi-hardware sensing network, enabling real-time, accurate, and full-scenario passenger flow monitoring.

Hardware Architecture

The system hardware is centered around the “Collection – Transmission – Analysis”workflow, structured into three main functional modules (referencing the bus hardware diagram):

(1) Multi-Dimensional Sensing Devices – Building a Full-Coverage Monitoring Network

1. Intelligent Camera Matrix

①　Top / Door Panoramic Cameras: Equipped with AI vision algorithms to capture boarding and alighting actions in real-time, counting passenger flow hundreds of times per second.

②　Blind Spot Cameras (Front / Right): High-definition wide-angle lenses combined with dynamic trajectory analysis assist drivers in monitoring blind spots, ensuring safe boarding and alighting.

③　Rear / Reversing Cameras: Timestamped image data correlates with door status to track passenger peaks accurately.

2. Sensor Fusion Devices

①　Pressure-Sensing Floor / Seat Sensors: Supplement visual blind spots to accurately count standing and seated passengers.

②　Infrared Beam Sensors: Provide stable counting in low-light scenarios by calculating the number of people passing per unit time through infrared interruptions.

3. Human-Machine Interaction Terminals

①　Multimedia Displays: Show real-time cabin occupancy and crowding levels to guide passengers for staggered boarding.

②　Audio-Visual Alert Systems: Automatically trigger warnings in dangerous scenarios such as overloading or pinching, with synchronized notifications to the driver terminal.

(2) Data Processing Hub – Mobile and Cloud Collaboration

①　Mobile DVR (Digital Video Recorder): Edge computing nodes locally store video and data, preventing loss during network interruptions.

②　ADAS / DSM Integration: Driver assistance and monitoring systems evaluate the impact of passenger flow on driving safety, forming a “Human-Vehicle-Passenger Flow” correlation analysis.

Technological Breakthroughs

The system overcomes three traditional counting bottlenecks, achieving multi-dimensional upgrades:

(1) Improved Accuracy

AI vision algorithms distinguish between individuals/groupsand boarding/alighting/lingeringstatuses. Errors in complex scenarios are controlled within ±2%. Multi-sensor integration (infrared, pressure, etc.) resolves occlusion and lighting interference, enabling full-form passenger recognition.

(2) Full-Scenario Coverage

From vehicle arrival and door opening (start counting) to departure and door closing (end counting), the system completes a “station arrival – boarding/alighting – station departure”closed-loop monitoring. GPS data generates route passenger flow heatmaps, providing real-time decision support for dispatch and capacity allocation.

(3) Reduced Cost

The “contactless collection”mode requires no passenger interaction. Hardware modules are compatible with existing bus security devices and support rapid modular deployment across old and new vehicle models, significantly lowering retrofitting and maintenance costs.

Application Value

(1) Operational Efficiency: Data-Driven Smart Dispatch

①　Dynamic Departure Intervals: Increase frequency during peak hours to reduce waiting time; optimize routes during off-peak to reduce empty mileage.

②　Flexible Dispatch Strategies: Deploy “express” or “interval” buses based on occupancy; large-capacity buses prioritize high-traffic stations.

(2) Safety: Proactive Risk Prevention

①　Blind Spot Safety Upgrade: Right-side blind spot cameras linked with the counting system automatically enlarge views and provide audio warnings when non-motor vehicles approach.

②　Crowding Control: Occupancy exceeding 80% triggers alerts, guiding staggered boarding to prevent accidents.

(3) Passenger Experience: Precision Service

①　Real-Time Information Sharing: Passengers can check station crowding via app or in-bus displays to choose comfortable travel options.

②　Facility Optimization: Long-term passenger flow data informs interior layout adjustments (priority seats, handrails) to improve space efficiency.

(4) Industry-Wide Benefits: Comprehensive Traffic Management

Authorities can analyze regional commuting patterns via data platforms to optimize subway connections, bus lanes, and parking locations, providing quantitative support for urban traffic planning.

The APC Systemis not just a counting tool—it is a technology driven by demand. YUWEI provides comprehensive bus management solutions. Consultation is welcome.

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