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Going Red: AI-Powered Train Occupancy Displays
In a bid to make commuting smoother, Deutsche Bahn is utilizing innovative technology at selected Hamburg S-Bahn stations. This system, known as the "DB Lightgate," uses artificial intelligence to monitor train occupancy levels, giving passengers an early heads-up when a train is full. But questions surround its future potential across Germany.
Understanding "DB Lightgate"
The Hamburg system works by setting up light barriers on both sides of the railway tracks. These sensors measure the light passing through incoming and outgoing trains' windows, with less light indicating a larger passenger count. By comparing these measurements to AI calculations, Deutsche Bahn predicts train occupancy with an accuracy above 90%, according to "DB Lightgate" manager Julia Kuhfuß.
Spreading Across Cities
The "DB Lightgate" trial began in Hamburg S-Bahn stations in January 2023, with an estimated 88% of all stations now equipped with occupancy displays. Meanwhile, Berlin has also started using the technology, according to S-Bahn Berlin. However, it's worth noting that AI is not yet involved in Berlin's implementation.
Testing Grounds and Expansion
Beyond Hamburg and Berlin, there are reported trials of the "DB Lightgate" system in Munich, Leipzig, and Frankfurt. In Frankfurt, a different system is used, according to Kuhfuß. Aside from these cities, specific details about the "DB Lightgate" remain limited in the public domain.
Controversy and Alternative Solutions
Some transportation experts like Andreas Knie express doubts about the widespread adoption of "DB Lightgate" in Germany. Instead, they advocate for the use of camera recordings and AI to automatically evaluate platform data in real-time, an approach allegedly being implemented at more than 20 stations.
The Long-Distance Exception
At present, "DB Lightgate" is not used in long-distance traffic; however, passengers can check the occupancy of trains via the app and website, where the data is calculated based on historical values and booked seats.
Passenger Reaction
Honorary chairman of the passenger association Pro Bahn, Karl-Peter Naumann, has praised the occupancy displays in Hamburg and Berlin, noting their usefulness for local transport without reservations. He observes that their utility for regional trains is also evident. However, he notes that in long-distance travel, occupancy issues are less severe due to the prevalence of seat reservations.
The AI-powered train occupancy displays, such as the DB Lightgate system, are not limited to local transit in Hamburg and Berlin. They are reportedly being tested in cities like Munich, Leipzig, and Frankfurt.Interestingly, some transportation experts suggest the use of camera recordings and AI to automatically evaluate platform data in real-time as an alternative solution for widespread adoption in Germany.In the domain of long-distance transport, the application of AI-powered train occupancy displays remains limited, with passengers relying on apps and websites for occupancy information based on historical values and booked seats.
