The Power of Innovation: Our Interview with Carrilbus
Our CEO, Çınar Basmacı, recently sat down with Carrilbus, a leading Spanish transportation magazine, for an exclusive interview. In this feature, he delves into some key topics that drive our mission at Kentkart – from how our global experience enables us to shape the future of intelligent transportation systems to our corporate culture and commitment to innovation.
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Automated Fare Collection in public transportation
Payment technologies and access to public transport are becoming increasingly simple for users, facilitating the increased use of public transport. The multinational KENTKART is entering Spain, offering a wide range of solutions for administrations, operators, and users. We discuss all of this in an interview with its CEO, Çınar Basmacı. Basmacı is the CEO and a board member of Kentkart, a company synonymous with automated fare collection in Turkey. He has extensive experience in urban mobility and has held various positions in the industry. He specializes in open-loop payment technology and particularly led Kentkart’s implementation of fare payment via open-loop bank cards, a pioneering step in this field. Basmacı graduated in Industrial Engineering from Koç University (Turkey) in 2014
CB: First, what role does innovation play at Kentkart, and how does the company stay at the forefront of payment systems and transportation management technologies?
Çınar Basmacı: Innovation is fundamental to Kentkart’s operations. The company invests heavily in R&D, ensuring that its solutions incorporate the latest advancements, such as AI-based analytics, real-time passenger information systems, and integrated mobility platforms. By fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, Kentkart encourages its employees to generate innovative ideas and stay updated on technological trends through regular training and professional development. Strong collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, and technology providers further enhance Kentkart’s ability to integrate cutting-edge innovations. Additionally, by actively seeking and incorporating customer feedback, Kentkart ensures that its products remain relevant and effective. This comprehensive approach keeps Kentkart at the forefront of the industry, meeting the evolving needs of transit operators and passengers while setting new standards for smart mobility solutions.
CB: What are the most advanced technologies Kentkart has developed or implemented recently?
Çınar Basmacı: Kentkart has introduced several innovative products that have revolutionized the public transportation experience and the way people move around their cities. These include:
1- Advanced Contactless Payment System: This system operates with Account-Based Ticketing and allows passengers to pay for their trips using contactless cards, mobile wallets, and NFC-enabled devices, reducing transaction times, eliminating the need for physical tickets, and providing a convenient, seamless payment experience.
2- Integrated Mobility Platform: This platform combines multiple modes of transportation, such as buses, trams, and subways, into a single unified system, allowing passengers to plan their trips, purchase tickets, and receive real-time updates across different modes of transportation for a seamless travel experience.
3- Disability Assistance in the Mobile App: At Kentkart, we strive to offer solutions that support equality and accessibility. With input from our project partners and our field experience, we aim to make it easier for people to use transportation systems. As part of our barrier-free transportation project, we updated our mobile app to include the option to reserve a wheelchair-accessible bus or request assistance from public transportation staff via push notifications to the driver’s panel.
4- AI-Based Predictive Maintenance and Analytics Tools: These tools leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze data collected from vehicles through CAN Bus integration, predict maintenance needs, and optimize fleet operations, minimizing vehicle downtime, reducing maintenance costs, and ensuring more reliable service.
5- Real-Time Passenger Information System: This system provides passengers with up-to-the-minute information on vehicle locations, arrival times, and service disruptions, helping passengers make informed travel decisions and reducing uncertainty during their journeys. These innovations have significantly improved the public transportation experience by increasing convenience, reliability, and efficiency for both operators and users.
CB: What are the main products and services Kentkart offers, and how do they differ from the competition?
Çınar Basmacı: Kentkart offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public transportation systems. These include:
• Automated Fare Collection System (AFC): Powered by account-based ticketing, the system streamlines the ticket issuance and payment process, offering passengers various payment options such as contactless cards, mobile wallets, and QR codes. AFC systems reduce cash handling, minimize fraud, and expedite boarding times.
• Fleet Management System (FMS): This solution uses GPS and CAN Bus integration to monitor vehicle locations, optimize routes, schedule maintenance, and manage driver performance, resulting in greater operational efficiency and reduced downtime.
• Passenger Information System (PIS): PIS offers real-time updates on vehicle locations, arrival times, and service changes, helping passengers make informed travel decisions and improving their overall transit experience.
• Contactless Payment System: These systems enable passengers to make quick and secure payments using contactless cards, mobile devices, or wearables, enhancing convenience and reducing transaction times.
• Data Analytics and Reporting Tools: Kentkart’s analytics tools provide transit operators with valuable insights into system performance, passenger and driver behavior, and operational efficiency, facilitating data-driven decision-making.
CB: How are your products helping to improve efficiency and the day-to-day operations of companies in the sector?
Çınar Basmacı: Kentkart’s smart mobility solutions benefit operators, authorities, and users in 17 countries and 57 cities. For operators, they enhance operational efficiency, reduce delays, optimize routes and schedules, and lower fuel and maintenance costs. Data analytics tools facilitate informed decisions and ensure transparency in fare collection. Real-time tracking improves fleet management. For authorities, our solutions aid in urban planning and infrastructure development, support sustainability, and bolster public safety with surveillance and emergency response capabilities. For users, we offer multiple payment options and real-time data on bus and train arrivals. Our technology enables reduced fares and enhances accessibility for people with disabilities.
CB: What are the most innovative products Kentkart has recently launched, and how are they improving the experience for public transport users?
Çınar Basmacı: At Kentkart, we constantly innovate and develop new technologies to improve urban transportation. For example, in Qatar during the World Cup, we implemented a system that allowed fans to convert their football tickets into bus tickets by scanning a QR code. In late 2022, Doha faced a significant transportation challenge due to the influx of football fans visiting the World Cup. To encourage spectators to use public transportation during the tournament, we provided them with free travel using the Hayya Card (a fan identification app).
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