Digitalization in public transport requires IT infrastructure – otherwise, it will remain patchwork
Digitalization in public transport is on the move – and that’s a good thing. Many transport companies and associations are increasingly focusing on the needs of their passengers. Projects relating to digital timetable information, real-time disruption management, Wi-Fi in vehicles, and micro- and activity-related map services around stops clearly show that the will for digital transformation is there.
But if we are honest, many of these projects fall well short of their potential. Not because of a lack of ideas or commitment, but because one crucial aspect is often overlooked: the IT infrastructure.
If the systems don’t talk, digital progress falls silent
Software solutions for public transport are widely available on the market today and are constantly being developed further. However, when it comes to integrating these solutions in a meaningful way, projects quickly encounter infrastructural hurdles. Often, the problem lies in missing interfaces, incompatible systems, or outdated platforms.
One key reason for this is that the system landscape in the public transport world is highly fragmented. Tenders are often carried out on an ad hoc basis without considering strategic IT networking. In addition, the federal structure in Germany, with its different fare systems, organizational structures, and levels of technical maturity, makes it difficult to create uniform, comprehensive solutions.
The result: individual digital solutions remain isolated island solutions – with high maintenance requirements, limited functionality, and limited benefits for passengers and operators.
From our practice: References, use cases, and industry feedback
Learn more about how PROTOS is already supporting public transport in Germany.
- Blog: Focus on: Cloud transformation in public transport
- Use Case: Generative AI securely at work: automated ticket analysis in AWS Cloud
- Reference: Migration and optimization of a travel platform for the DB Regio Bus
We need not only software, but also a modern IT architecture
If digitization is to be truly effective in public transport, we must view IT infrastructure as a strategic foundation – not as a minor issue.
At PROTOS Technologie, we are addressing this challenge with a clear approach: We create cloud infrastructures that connect systems and enable collaboration.
„We use public cloud technologies and cloud-native principles to connect existing systems and develop them further in service-oriented architectures. Our projects show that when systems communicate with each other, digital solutions become scalable, secure, and cost-efficient“, Sebastian Ullrich, CEO at PROTOS.
Long-term standards are important – but we can start now
To overcome obstacles, we need uniform standards for data formats, interfaces, and IT security requirements in public transport in the long term. But we cannot wait until these have been defined and introduced at all levels.
With our experience and hands-on approach, we at PROTOS are already ensuring that projects do not fail due to infrastructural limitations. We act as the missing link between existing systems – stable, secure, and future-oriented.
If you are serious about digitalization, you need to think about IT
Digitalization is not an app project. It is a system project. Only those who understand IT infrastructure as an integral component and plan strategically will be successful in the long term – economically, operationally, and in terms of passenger requirements.
PROTOS Technologie helps you take this perspective – and turn it into reality with technical excellence and pragmatic implementation.
