Written by: Eric Peterson

Commuter nightmare!
On January 6, the management and operation of Stockholm’s commuter trains changed hands. The transition, however, was not as smooth as was hoped for— evidently, the new operator had been counting on the support of personnel who had been employed by the old operator. When they didn’t get this support, the new operator scrambled to execute “Plan B.” In the meantime, Stockholm’s commuters waited and then waited some more—initially only half the scheduled trains were in operation, and those that were seldom ran on time.

Why, you ask, am I telling you all this? I shall explain. One evening while I stood waiting for my train, it occurred to me that a WAP-based commuter information service could provide all the information commuters need for getting from point A to point B quickly and conveniently, making all extenuating circumstances transparent.

WAP-based commuter information
To use the service, all you would need to do is specify a destination—unless you say otherwise, the service assumes that your point of departure is your current position. Also, if you do not specify a time of arrival, the service assumes that you want to get where you are going as quickly as possible. So, with information on your present position, destination, and time of arrive, the service automatically determines the optimal route, taking into consideration the actual position and status of the transit vehicles in operation. The service then displays a solution, beginning for example, with the location of the closest, most convenient departure point and the present location of the vehicle and its ETA.

The power of the service really shines through when traffic is not running smoothly. It monitors cancellations and delays, and updates your personal travel agenda accordingly. For example, let us assume that at the end of the working day, the buses are running on time but the trains are not. No problem. You simply ask the service to alert you when you should leave the office and to guide you through its solution for getting you home—no fuss and no unnecessary waiting.

A few years ago, I would not have dreamed of any such solutions—I simply would not have believed them possible. Today, however, I not only dream of them, I actually expect someone will build them! How can I be so certain, you ask? Simple. Keep reading and you too will see that Ericsson does indeed have answers—which could even make commuting a service rather than an ordeal.

[First published in Ericsson Review no. 01, 2000]