5 Ways Technology Has Transformed The Transport Sector

The world has witnessed rapid advancement in technology in recent years. This has positively transformed every sector of the economy, including transportation. Here are six ways technology has transformed the transport sector:

1. Demand-responsive Transport

In low-density areas, planned transit services may not always meet all travelers’ demands. For instance, a given bus company may provide only one trip from a certain remote area. When more people need to travel from this area simultaneously, perhaps for a mandatory government exercise, the bus company will let many people down.

In such cases, microtransit may be the solution. This is a technology-based system of transportation that’s more advanced than the traditional fixed-route transit and with a convenience level next to that of ride-hailing technology. Additionally, there’s no fixed schedule nor routes with this system. They change every other time based on the demand. Likewise, the vehicles involved vary in size–from vans, minibuses, shuttles, and buses.

As a passenger, you need to use a smartphone app to book a trip. You’re normally linked to the route that’s fastest for you and other commuters. So, if quite a number of people are booking from a given remote area, a number of vehicles operated by the microtransit company will be dispatched or re-routed to that area to meet the rising demand.

Frankly, this is a rather summarized description of microtransit systems. There’s a lot more to it than portrayed above. You may want to follow this link to learn more about microtransit.

2. On-demand Taxis

The ride-hailing apps you often use to connect with taxi drivers are only slightly more than a decade old. Previously, you’d have to physically visit a taxi hub, call a taxi driver that you’re familiar with, or call a taxi company call center so they can link you with a taxi driver.

The convenience of these traditional taxi hiring procedures can’t be compared to that of the current ride-hailing apps. With just a few clicks on your smartphone, you’re immediately connected to the nearest cab driver, who then comes to pick you up from wherever you are.

3. Autonomous Vehicles

From the time the first motor vehicle was manufactured, there has always been a driver behind the wheel. However, things are soon set to change with the introduction of self-driven vehicles. These use sensors and maps to navigate neighborhoods. 

Here are the main advantages of this new technology:

• Decreased number of accidents due to the use of powerful sensors to calculate the correct stopping distance from other vehicles and obstacles.
• Reduced congestion on busy roads since driverless vehicles are smart enough to select the fastest routes.
• Gives you the opportunity to attend to other important matters while on a long drive, instead of just focusing on driving.
• Reduction in travel time.
• Improved lane capacity.

4. Electric Vehicles

Cars burning fossil fuels, such as diesel, petrol, and gasoline, release humongous amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This gives rise to global warming, and you’re much aware of the negative effects of this phenomenon.

Fortunately, technology has birthed electric vehicles. These operate on electricity, which implies zero-carbon emissions. If used on a large scale, the carbon footprint on the environment will be considerably reduced, hence global warming won’t be at the rampant scale it’s currently at. 

Other notable advantages of electric cars include:

• Cost-saving: Electricity is far less expensive than fossil fuels.
• Convenience: You don’t have to depend on fuel stations. Electric cars allow you to charge the vehicle to a place where there’s electricity and compatible outlets.
• Safety: Electric vehicles are safer than fossil fuel vehicles due to a lower center of gravity and the ability to cut out power when an accident occurs.

5. Internet Of Things (IoT)

Simply put, this is a bunch of digital devices connected to the internet, allowing you to remotely issue commands using a smartphone, computer, or any other internet-enabled device. While there are dozens of technology gadgets used in vehicles, two common examples will suffice for now:

• Video surveillance: High-resolution CCTV cameras can be fitted into vehicles, planes, or ships in order to monitor passengers for any suspicious behavior and take the necessary measures before it’s too late.
• Tracking shipments: It’s now possible to remotely track the exact location of goods being delivered to customers.

IoT greatly improves convenience by enabling transportation companies to know what’s going on in and around their vehicles without being there physically.

Conclusion

Technology has significantly revamped the transport sector. The above-mentioned are but a drop in the ocean, but at least you get the idea. Going forward, always look into ways you can use technology to your advantage when it comes to transport services.