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Hamburg relies on AI: S-Bahn utilization now visualized in real time!
Digital display boards in Hamburg show S-Bahn utilization in real time. Artificial intelligence improves forecasts and travel comfort.
Hamburg relies on AI: S-Bahn utilization now visualized in real time!
In Hamburg it is now about the utilization of the S-Bahn and it is becoming smart! Digital display boards at the S-Bahn stops inform passengers in real time about the number of free seats on the trains. This new technology, known as “Lightgate”, was developed in Hamburg and is a real advance for public transport users. The highlight? The system uses light barriers to measure how much daylight comes through the windows of the trains and from this determine the number of passengers. T Online reports that these display boards are now installed at 88 percent of train stations and the evaluations achieve over 90 percent accuracy.
The technology obtains the data within seconds and transfers it to a central server. Another feature is the color coding: green shows a lot of space, yellow stands for medium capacity and red indicates full cars. This allows passengers to plan better and know where it is best to get on.
Smart forecasts with artificial intelligence
But it gets even better: artificial intelligence is brought in to provide forecasts for five stations in advance. According to a statement from the Hamburg S-Bahn Radio Hamburg can be read, this AI ensures significantly improved predictions. Over 90 percent of the forecasts are accurate, confirms Julia Kuhfuß, head of “DB Lightgate”. While the system is already established across the board in Hamburg, Berlin is currently testing whether the AI can also demonstrate its advantages there.
The system, which has been in operation in Hamburg since January 2023, is also planned for other cities such as Frankfurt am Main and Munich. It not only serves to improve passenger flow, but also helps plan additional trains and optimize timetables. Transport Senator Anjes Tjarks is even thinking about possible price adjustments for tickets based on capacity utilization.
A look into the future
So the digital display system is more than just a nice gimmick; it is an important step towards smart mobility. The S-Bahn in Berlin has implemented similar systems since September 2024, but Hamburg has the lead in practical application. One can only hope that the advantages of this technology will soon be realized in other regions.
The future of public transport in Hamburg looks promising. If that doesn't sound like a successful step towards modern traffic applications! RP Online agrees that such innovations can reduce daily commuting stress, which benefits us all.