ITxPT-Standard
Interoperability of Technologies in Public Transport through an Open IT Architecture
The topics on this page
The ITxPT Organization and its Vision for Public Transport
ITxPT (Information Technology for Public Transport) is an international organization dedicated to streamlining technology for public transport operators and providers. By establishing a standardized framework, ITxPT fosters a plug-and-play environment in buses and streetcars, facilitating a seamless experience for all stakeholders.
The adoption of the ITxPT standard facilitates the shift from proprietary systems to an open architecture rooted in the universally recognized Internet Protocol (IP). This standard assumes a pivotal role in supporting public transport operators, line/fleet managers, IT suppliers, and vehicle manufacturers. By enabling the seamless integration of IT systems across diverse user groups, ITxPT drives operational efficiency, cost reduction, and an overall enhancement of passenger services.
ITxPT’s open IT architecture not only future-proofs public transport operations but also empowers operators to fully leverage the capabilities of their IT systems, ensuring long-term sustainability and adaptability.
Advantages of ITxPT Standard – Streamlining Public Transport with Simplified Architecture
Simplification of the board architecture
ITxPT provides a standardized IT architecture with open interfaces, allowing for seamless data exchange between different onboard and back-office systems. This simplifies the IT infrastructure and enables easy communication between devices and systems via a common communication backbone. This also enables gradual expansion of system functionalities, such as Wi-Fi access, modern ticketing systems, and mobile applications.
Connection between all onboard systems
ITxPT-compliant modules from different vendors can be combined and operated together in one vehicle, leading to better communication between all installed systems, modules, devices, and the back office. This eliminates system silos and enables standardized solutions
Cost reduction through simple maintenance
ITxPT reduces hardware acquisition and maintenance costs, eliminates antenna redundancies, and allows for remote software installation and updates for the entire fleet from the back office. This reduces the need for maintenance contracts with external general contractors, allowing public transport operators to control the standardized system themselves. Studies by ITxPT working groups have shown that an ITxPT-compliant infrastructure can reduce costs by 30% over a five-year period.
Benefits for passengers
Benefits for passengers – ITxPT improves service to passengers by facilitating the delivery of real-time information, eliminating proprietary technologies, and allowing for easy integration of disparate systems. This also creates more spatial comfort for passengers, as specifications on the placement and installation of devices save space and make the entire on-board system smarter.
What Is the Role of ITxPT in Public Transport?
In the public transportation industry, IT systems can be slow to evolve due to long investment cycles. Existing vehicle fleets often feature proprietary, siloed systems that are not compatible with standardized protocols. Passenger information, CCTV, passenger counting, and on-board payment systems work in separate silos and take up space, making installation and maintenance access difficult and causing cabling issues.
ITxPT is a standard that solves all these typical problems in buses and trains with the help of integrated systems. Integrated systems are based on interoperability between systems operating on a common IP network.
Compliance with ITxPT standards is becoming a common requirement in public tenders. Some transport authorities and operators already use ITxPT as the basis for tenders for IT components to ensure that vehicles and IT systems are compatible with each other.
Whar Are the ITxPT Specifications?
ITxPT lays the foundation for a paradigm shift with its specifications for an open IT architecture for communication within vehicles and between vehicles and the back office. ITxPT is not a system or software, but a set of rules for data exchange. It provides a common language with provisions for data formats and protocols for transmitting the data, giving a framework for designing hardware and software to integrate modules into a coherent architecture.
ITxPT defines interoperability at 3 levels:
Hardware level:
Installation rules, space requirements, connectors, etc.
Communication protocol level:
Interfaces, service declaration, etc.
Service level:
List of services, format of services, format of data, etc.
The organization continuously develops the scope of ITxPT, which currently includes the following services:
- Module inventory
- Time service
- GNSS location
- FMStoIP
- VEHICLEtoIP
- AVMS
- APC
- MADT
- MQTT broker
What Is The ITxPT Label?
ITxPT provides a standardized testing process for IT modules, software, and vehicles to ensure interoperability between devices and systems. Once a module passes the ITxPT testing process, the supplier receives an ITxPT label, indicating that the module has been tested and conforms to the ITxPT standard.
Our Ethernet Switches have passed the ITxPT testing process, and our official test reports are available on our product pages. As a supplier of ITxPT-compliant modules, we are committed to providing products that meet the highest standards of interoperability.
What Is The Role Of Ethernet Switches In ITxPT?
Legacy siloed systems with proprietary architectures did not require Ethernet Switches. However, modern integrated on-board systems use a common IP network, which calls for network management and monitoring. Sensitive data must be separated from the rest of the shared network, and the network’s status must be monitored for timely detection of problems. The ITxPT standard requires the use of Ethernet Switches with M12 connectors to provide the necessary infrastructure for data exchange between all connected systems.
We have developed ROQSTAR M12 Ethernet Network Switches to offer the public transport industry the maximum benefits of Ethernet technology. Our M12 Ethernet Switches, which include Managed Switches, Unmanaged Switches, and PoE Switches, all available with Gigabit ports, are the result of our knowledge and expertise. Click here to learn more about Ethernet Switches and how they can benefit your business.
Related Resources
The E-mark in Public Transport
The E-mark ensures that road vehicles and their installed components adhere to stringent safety and environmental standards.
The EN 50155 Railroad Standard
The European standard EN 50155 certifies the suitability of electronic devices for use in rail vehicles.
Digitalization in Public Transport
Discover the role of Ethernet switches in driving digitalization of public transport vehicles.
