Better Safety and Information for Passengers in Hanover

Control and passenger information system operated by üstra

As a part of the large-scale IMAN project for the üstra Hannoverschen Verkehrsbetriebe AG, the entire control center and passenger information system in all its complexity went live at the end of May 2003. The project was completed in close cooperation between TransTec Bauplanungs- und Managementgesellschaft Hannover mbH, Siemens ICN (today Nokia Siemens Networks) and Siemens Programm- und Systementwicklung GmbH & Co. KG. TransTec created the functional requirements and basis for planning activities. Siemens ICN Carrier Nord assumed responsibility for marketing and technical coordination. Siemens Programm- und Systementwicklung GmbH & Co. KG was primarily entrusted with technical implementation.

The core of the City-Netz network went into operation at the start of the EXPO 2000 world exposition. The network supported security surveillance, passenger information in public transport and traffic control to improve the flow of traffic. Since then, 113 stops have been equipped with automatic and manual passenger information services. The System commands amongst others over more than 300 speaker chains and 350 displays. Twenty-one multimedia workstations have been installed at eight different control centers, which successfully handle a wide range of processes such as those involving audio and visual passenger information, emergency calls and passenger safety. The safety of passengers is an essential aspect in efforts to improve Hanover’s transportation infrastructure. A video distribution system with more than 250 cameras capable of being operated by various users simplifies internal workflows.

Siemens Programm- und Systementwicklung GmbH & Co. KG supported the client throughout the five-year project by providing everything from professional analysis to implementation services. The equivalent of 80 man-years of work was invested in developing this comprehensive system, which doesn’t just benefit üstra alone. The security company ProTec, local police, and move GmbH, a company that manages and controls road traffic in the greater Hanover area, are also using the system. The city’s civil engineering office is also benefiting from the availability of traffic data and images. Serving 155 million passengers per year, üstra is the top service provider for local public transport in Lower Saxony and is now investing in the expansion and further development of the integrated multimedia network.

With 2006  the extension of the system has been realised already on IP technology instead of ATM. The already existing ATM parts of the system are migrated step by step to IP since then.

üstra is one of Germany’s biggest local public transport authorities, with one of the most modern and attractive systems in the world. Subway stations painted by graffiti artists, avant-garde bus stops, and designer busses and trains all help to make waiting and riding a non-stop experience.
The control and passenger information system from Siemens ensures that passengers are provided with the safety and information they need along the way.