At Teleste, our focus within the project is clear: harness state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and AI for video and audio analytics solutions empowered to make public transport smarter and safer than ever. For example:
- Smart detection systems that recognize when a passenger with accessibility needs enters the vehicle—automatically deploying a threshold ramp or ensuring ample time for the passenger to settle in.
- Real-time behavioural analytics that can identify signs of distress, tension, or conflict — alerting operators to act proactively.
- Passenger-centric mobile apps that bridge the gap between passengers and transport staff, supporting smoother journeys and enhancing the feeling of safety.
These innovations build on the experiences Teleste has gained in previous projects, such as HIPE, a Business Finland-funded co-innovation project, where we developed solutions for emotion-aware behavioural analytics, detecting and helping understand emotional atmosphere on-board.
From Surveys to Solutions: The Journey Continues
Enhancing service quality and increasing passenger satisfaction are key to accelerating the adoption of automated public transport and advancing the sustainability of mobility services.
At the heart of OptiPEx is a deep understanding of the real needs of both passengers and transport operators. During the project’s first year, we have:
- Surveyed passenger needs — digging deep into what makes travel easier (or harder) for our target groups.
- Crafted cutting-edge service concepts — using survey data as the foundation.
- Laid the groundwork for living-lab demonstrations — soon to be tested on real trams and shuttle buses!
Now, the next phase begins. Over the coming three years, we will be developing and implementing these service concepts further.
At Teleste, we are proud to contribute to a project that goes beyond vision — it redefines and builds the future of public transport.
Timo Eskola
Concept Design Engineer, Teleste
