ITxPT-Standard – Simplifying Public Transport Technologies with Open IT Architecture
The ITxPT standard offers a Plug & Play experience to public transport, similar to USB, Bluetooth, or Android in consumer electronics. Thanks to its open IT architecture and standardized interoperability between IT systems, all IT components in buses and streetcars are now compatible with all systems, making them immediately ready for use.
With ITxPT, public transport providers can enjoy a simplified, hassle-free experience, with the ability to easily connect and go. This not only benefits providers but also enhances the experience for passengers who can expect reliable, integrated technology solutions.
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The international association ITxPT (Information Technology for Public Transport) is dedicated to simplifying technologies for public transport operators and suppliers by creating a uniform standard for all stakeholders. By moving away from proprietary systems and towards open architecture based on the well-established Internet Protocol (IP), ITxPT streamlines the process for public transport providers.
ITxPT is relevant to three key user groups: public transport operators and line/fleet operators, IT suppliers, and vehicle manufacturers. With the ITxPT standard in place, these groups can easily connect their IT systems, leading to enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and better service for passengers.
Embracing ITxPT’s open IT architecture can future-proof public transport providers and allow them to unlock the full potential of their IT systems.
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 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.
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