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Table 2 The innovations that were included in the evaluation questionnaire (abbreviations, full names, and descriptions)

From: Evaluation of innovative ideas for Public Transport proposed by citizens using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)

Abbreviation

Full name

Description

SOCIALAPP

Development of a “social-bus” app

App that allows PT users to interact with other people travelling with the same mode of transport at the same time.

ENVAPP

Development of an “environmental trip” app

App that counts the CO2 emissions and informs the users about their CO2 footprint for each PT trip with gamification aspects.

PASSCOUNT

Innovative solutions for on-board and at bus stops passengers’ counting

Innovative solutions like the use of biometric data that go beyond conventional passenger counting. The information can be used by users to choose a less crowded vehicle and for planning purposes.

DATAMIN

Use of data mining tools for enhancing service operation and performance

Data collected during service is exploited to improve Public Transport services’ planning and operational aspects (e.g. better trip assignment, maintenance, fare evasion control, etc.).

EINK

Use of E-Ink technology for the screens of info-panels

E-Ink technologies have low energy consumption but screens are not visible during the night. They can be used in good light conditions, allowing to decrease investment and operational costs.

UMBRBRAND

Umbrella brand concept

The idea is to have a strong umbrella brand for all PT systems of an area, in order to be easily remembered and recalled, reducing thus the confusion of PT users.

PTFUND

Public Transport funding by the beneficiaries of the system

Funding schemes (e.g. value capture mechanisms) to finance PT by its beneficiaries (e.g. land-owners, local businesses, etc.) until PT operation and expansion becomes self-financed.

CITMARK

City marketing from a Public Transport perspective

Combination of city marketing with PT to address the needs of city visitors (e.g. package deal tickets, free app for booking the attractions, e-ticketing, group and family cards, special rates, etc.).

MAAS

Mobility as a Service and platform with real-time travel, comfort, and multi-modal information

Enabling a seamless journey, using the best possible connections and the most suitable transport modes, provided through one interface, such as a platform that brings together different types of transport options and the provision of real time transport information.

FLEXPRIC

Flexible pricing options

Provision of customized pricing options for people with different transportation needs (e.g. individual travelers, business travelers, tourists, international guests, etc.).

GRTECH

Green platforms and “green technologies” systems at Public Transport stops providing comfort and pleasure to the passengers

The idea is to create green spaces on the platforms and to install green technology systems, such as solar panels, at the PT stops for electricity production, creating thus a pleasant atmosphere.

PTSEATSAPP

“Public Transport seats” app

An app for the passengers to find out which parts of the vehicle are less crowded and more likely to have available seats in order to prefer the respective entrances, using sensors mounted in the seats.

PTWIDGET

Public Transport widget indicating the accessibility of places of interest by Public Transport

This is an indicator especially developed for companies and institutions to add to their website that indicates how well their location is connected to PT, promoting thus PT use.

ADVETICKET

Advanced e-ticketing system

Travel with PT without ever checking in or out, using mobile phones’ Bluetooth beacons that will detect when you enter or exit the vehicle, calculate the travel cost, and display it on a web application.

MOBCHARLOCK

Mobile phone charging locker

The charge-before-departure lockers are designed to safely fast charge mobile phones while waiting for the next train.

ONDEMAND

“On demand” transport services using minibuses (demand responsive)

Through these services, travelers can submit a travel request (origin, destination, and time frame) and all submitted requests are grouped spatially and temporally and minibuses are routed to serve them.

BLIP

Bus lane with intermittent priority

This is a dynamic bus lane which operates as a bus lane only when a bus is using it; during its operation both vertical & horizontal marking will be activated to inform drivers to use a different traffic lane.

RETIJOURNAPP

Real-time journey planner on app including management of customer requests

The app provides real-time info-services, including a dynamic journey planner, taking into account the current localization and service conditions, using social media as the main communication channel between PTOs and the users/citizens.

PTEVENTICK

Integrating Public Transport use in entrance tickets of events

Entrance tickets for social events (e.g. concerts, sports, museums, etc.) will include the use of PT for the whole day free of charge.

FULLEQUIPPT

Fully equipped Public Transport making travel time exploitable time

High quality service (equipped with Wi-Fi, suitable seats, recharge plugs, etc.) targeted to serve commuters and enable work during the trip, with the option to book the seat in a larger range of PT services.