SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 12, 2025 – Public transportation in rural areas has long been a challenge, often limited and inconvenient. However, a groundbreaking research project led by Hof University of Applied Sciences promises to transform rural connectivity through the innovative application of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to develop cutting-edge digital tools that will revolutionize how public transport is planned and implemented, ultimately making it a viable and attractive option for rural residents.
The Challenge of Rural Connectivity
The current state of rural public transport often falls short of meeting the needs of communities. "The buses would usually run empty," explains Richard Göbel, head of the research group at the university's Institute for Information Systems (iisys). Simply increasing the frequency of traditional scheduled services is not a sustainable solution. Demand-controlled transport, while offering some flexibility, has limitations. "The catch is that this demand-controlled transport only works in limited areas. You can't make a service area too large, otherwise there would be too many empty trips," Göbel points out.
AI as the Key to Optimization
The "OptiModal - Optimization of intermodal transport in rural areas" project seeks to overcome these limitations by developing sophisticated digital tools capable of coordinating various modes of transport. "We need a system that integrates different modes of transport," says Göbel, emphasizing the need to seamlessly combine on-demand transport, scheduled services, shared transport, and rail transport. This complex optimization problem is where AI, and specifically machine learning, plays a crucial role. "We want to use analysis methods, including machine learning methods including neural networks, to find out what people's real transport needs are and where they want to travel," the scientist explains.
A Digital Twin for Smarter Planning
A key component of the project is the creation of a "digital twin," a virtual model of the transport system. This digital twin will be built upon a "previously unknown wealth of data," including anonymized reporting data, vehicle and mobile phone movement data, and public transport usage data. By leveraging this data, researchers can simulate various scenarios and assess the impact of different planning decisions. "You can change the timetables, you can change the stops and see how this affects the transport offer," Göbel illustrates.
Combining Human and Artificial Intelligence
While AI provides powerful analytical capabilities, the project recognizes the importance of human expertise. "We want to combine human intelligence with computer intelligence," Göbel states. The goal is not to replace human planners but to empower them with the tools they need to create truly comprehensive and effective public transport services. "At the end of the project, we will have a demonstrator with which we can show how transport planning can work."
The Impact on Rural Communities
The lack of adequate public transport in rural areas has far-reaching consequences. As Göbel notes, "There are many things that make a region attractive. Unfortunately, what is missing is public transport." Improved connectivity benefits all generations, from young people seeking entertainment to older adults who may wish to reduce their reliance on personal vehicles. The project's success could revitalize rural communities, making them more attractive places to live and work. "We are trying to create the possibility of a comprehensive public transport mobility offer in rural areas," Göbel concludes.
Collaboration and Funding
The "OptiModal" project is a collaborative effort involving Hof University of Applied Sciences, the Technical University of Munich, and various industry partners. It is funded by a 1.8 million euro grant from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV). This significant investment underscores the importance of this work and its potential to transform rural public transport. The future of rural mobility is poised for a significant upgrade, thanks to the power of AI.