Škoda Group is claiming that its products enable transport providers to improve their services through integration.

The group argues that the significant rise in energy prices is posing a challenge to public transport providers, and that spending money on inefficient operations leaves less available to spend on improving services and expanding the transport network.

It also points out that transport providers face rising costs of repairing vehicles damaged by collisions, and that there is an increasing emphasis on ensuring safety inside and around vehicles.

Škoda’s presented its digital systems at a press conference at the Trako 2023 trade fair in Gdańsk, Poland, hoping to appeal to train operators considering how to optimise energy consumption.

Škoda’s automatic train operation (ATO) system automatically guides the train, automating the driver’s tasks and planning the journey to align with the timetable and energy savings. The system reacts to changing conditions on the route and so minimises energy loss. The driver retains their role in the train’s operation, dealing with unforeseen and unpredictable events.

Urban transport companies face high costs for repairing vehicles damaged in collisions, in both traffic and depots.

Škoda Group’s anti-collision system (ACS) aims to reduce the impact of collisions, both financially and in terms of injuries, using a combination of LiDAR technology, cameras and precise localisation using HD maps and odometry. The system creates a ‘virtual tunnel’ enabling the vehicle to detect obstacles, give early warning and provide emergency braking.

Škoda Group states that it has a vision for autonomous technologies to play a key role in public transport. Its latest project builds on existing digital systems and integrates them into what it calls a “comprehensive smart depot ecosystem”, stating that “The equation is simple – increased efficiency plus increased safety equals cost savings, a happier passenger and a cleaner environment.”

Jiří Liberda, President Business Unit Digital at Škoda Group, said, “Smart digital solutions are a huge benefit for transport companies and passengers. The use of smart technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%, optimising financial costs. Trains also keep to timetables better thanks to the ATO system, leading to an overall increase in the quality of service. In addition, transport becomes more environmentally friendly, safer and smoother in daily operations.”