The five key trends from RNTP 2023

Energy transition: Hydrogen in the spotlight at the RNTP 

The push toward decarbonized mobilities involves the entire public transport sector. At the RNTP in Clermont-Ferrand, numerous innovations showcased the growing role of hydrogen. Keolis’s announcement that it will test a line of hydrogen buses in the Clermont-Ferrand area is one notable example. In September 2024, 14 “retrofitted” vehicles (diesel buses converted to green-powered buses) will operate on a major line in the area.  

Retrofitting toward hydrogen, electric or hybrid solutions is becoming an increasingly widespread solution. The trend shows no signs of slowing down, with three government decrees published in October 2023 aim to facilitate its development. 

It is also worth noting the Solarbus photovoltaic solutions, developed by Europart, have entered the industrialization phase. These are photovoltaic solar panels installed on vehicle or depot roofs. Keolis’s Danish subsidiary already co-conducted an experiment on this use case in 2022.

Passenger experience: Advancements in dynamic signage

Now more than ever, new technologies are being leveraged for end-to-end passenger comfort. Led by the Movin’On community, the “SmartShuttle” project involving Orange, Saint-Gobain and Bertolami aims to create a mobility service for employees that promotes rest, focus and collaborative work. In other words, it makes travel time more productive. The project now features an advanced prototype presented at trade fairs that highlights ergonomic interior spaces, enhanced sound insulation, information projection on glass walls and more. 

Targeted passenger information is also advancing, thanks to dynamic systems that display multiple types of information on a single screen. This is exemplified by the bus stop signage system developed by BusPas (Canada), which uses artificial intelligence to provide the right information at the right time to the right person (such as bus waiting times and the number of bicycles available at the nearest station).

In terms of accessibility, Biped offers a highly innovative individual guidance system for visually impaired people. A harness equipped with a 3D camera analyzes the environment, while a sound system guides the person. Lastly, in Italy, Ruspa has introduced seats with a distinct design to instantly identify spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility.

Safety: More visible signage  

To protect pedestrians and cyclists, highly visible road markings promote cautious driving. Luminokrom – a French technology showcased at the RNTP – is a photoluminescent paint lasting ten hours that makes nighttime travel safer. It is already used in Creil by Keolis Evrard. Flowell, a company specializing in interactive illuminated markings, is developing several high-impact signage solutions, such as green and red LED strips placed on both sides of crosswalks for enhanced safety.

Autonomous mobilities: Structuring transport offers  

One of the highlights of the RNTP in Clermont-Ferrand was Keolis's demonstration on its booth of on-demand transport aboard level four autonomous vehicles. Today, there are five levels of vehicle autonomy: from level four onward, there is no longer a need for an onboard operator. From Norway to Turkey, more and more trials are being carried out under real-life conditions as these solutions become increasingly operational. Above all, manufacturers are diversifying their models (coaches, six-meter vehicles and small vehicles) for a wide range of uses adapted to local needs. For example, in Monheim, a small town in eastern Germany, nine level-three shuttles provide regular downtown service. This level means an operator is onboard but only takes control of the vehicle if necessary. In this way, the autonomous vehicle transport offer is becoming more structured.

And more: Innovation of all kinds!  

With nearly 200 exhibitors and 7,000 participants from mobility sectors, the RNTP demonstrated the vitality of innovations both in and around the transport sector. Trends observed in 2023 included: 

- The range of classic and electric self-service bicycles continues to expand with original solutions (such as the Fifteen bikes that "attach" to each other to connect to a single recharging station). 

- Bicycle-carrying systems attached to the rear of coaches are becoming more widespread. 

- Companies are emerging that specialize in recycling and reusing bus materials and components, such as fabric kits from old coach seats.