Improving Transportation Efficiency in Various Industries with Geofencing Technology

Technology is constantly evolving to help us create a more efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly transportation system. One innovation that is starting to be widely implemented is geofencing technology. This technology enables the regulation and management of vehicles based on specific locations, providing a range of benefits from reduced emissions to improved traffic flow.

This article TransTRACK discusses several case studies that demonstrate the application of geofencing in various transportation sectors. These range from urban logistics in Berlin with the Smartfusion Project, to greener public transportation in Gothenburg with the ElectriCity Project. In addition, the technology has also played a role in supporting the introduction of automated vehicles in transition and organizing pick-up and drop-off activities for ridesourcing services in Seattle. Each case study provides valuable insight into how geofencing can be an effective solution to modern transportation challenges.

Geofencing Case Study: Transportation and Logistics in the Smartfusion Project

The Smartfusion project is an attempt to find environmentally friendly logistics solutions. One of the trials was conducted in Berlin using a Volvo FE hybrid truck. The truck is equipped with geofencing technology that enables it to automatically operate in electric mode when entering certain “sensitive zones” along the delivery route. The technology helps reduce fuel and emissions by alerting the driver and making it easier to switch between hybrid and electric modes.

Trial results show that the geofencing technology significantly reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and improves air quality. Drivers also found the system easy to use and helpful for smooth operations. However, to ensure success, proper zone mapping, strong infrastructure, and reliable software are required. This project proves that geofencing can help logistics become more efficient and environmentally friendly, especially in big cities.

Geofencing Case Study: Public Bus Transportation in the ElectriCity Project

In Gothenburg, Sweden, the ElectriCity Project started in 2013 to make public transportation more environmentally friendly. In this project, public buses are equipped with a static geofence system. When inside a certain zone, the bus automatically obeys the speed limit and switches to electric mode in areas that are sensitive to noise and pollution. Information about these zones is downloaded to the bus when it is parked overnight, so the zones remain static without dynamic changes.

The system is reported to be very helpful. Drivers are comfortable with bus operations, and since the system was introduced, speed limits are better maintained. This project is clear evidence that technology can make public transportation cleaner and support the needs of an environmentally friendly city.

Case Study: Automated Vehicles in Transition

There are several challenges when automated vehicles (AVs) come onto the road, especially in the transition period when there is still a mix of manual and automated vehicles. Wijbenga, Vreeswijk, Mintsis, et al. (2019) mention that during this period, there are areas on the road where automated vehicles cannot be fully operational due to sensor issues, complex situations, or human factors. These areas are called “Transition Areas,” where automated vehicles need to change their level of automation. In this case, geofencing is used to mark the zone of “no automated driving.”

In contrast, Coicheci and Filip (2020) discuss zones where automated vehicles should only operate in driverless mode in certain areas. This corresponds to the concept of SAE level 4 automated vehicles, which means “fully autonomous within the geofence,” as described by Jackie DiMarco of Ford (Crosbie 2017).

These cases show that geofencing is essential to support automated vehicle deployment. By designating specific zones for different levels of automation, this technology ensures safety, efficiency, and helps society more easily accept the presence of automated vehicles.

Case Study: Ridesourcing and Pickup Location Management

One interesting application of geofencing is in ridesourcing services by transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft. According to a study by Ranjbari, Luis Machado-León, Dalla Chiara, et al. (2020), the increased use of ridesourcing services leads to an increase in pick-up and drop-off activities. These activities often slow down traffic due to the use of more road shoulders.

In the city of Seattle, USA, one of the strategies implemented to maintain smooth traffic flow is the use of geofencing. This technology is used to direct drivers and passengers to designated pick-up and drop-off locations, such as Passenger Load Zones (PLZs). Data on the effect of this strategy was collected using vehicle counting devices at specific locations.

The results showed that the strategy helped reduce traffic disruptions in congested areas. Geofencing has proven to be an effective solution in managing ridesourcing activities, keeping traffic flowing, and making it easier to organize pick-up and drop-off locations.

The application of geofencing technology in various transportation sectors shows how this innovation can help address challenges ranging from reducing emissions to improving traffic efficiency. Whether in logistics, public transportation, automated vehicles, or ridesourcing, geofencing has proven its ability to create smarter and greener transportation systems.

For companies or organizations looking to optimize their fleet management, a solution like TransTRACK Fleet Management System can be the right choice. With superior features such as real-time tracking, geofence management, and operational data analysis, TransTRACK helps you manage your fleet more efficiently, safely, and sustainably. Utilize this technology to take your operations to the next level!