In the afternoon of Monday, the flag-raising ceremony took place for the start of operations of two BUSLAB units, new buses equipped with advanced technology.
Over the past two years, the Metropolitan and Sustainable Mobility System has had over 50 routes covering circuits and various zones of Mérida, night routes, commissaries, several municipalities, the Ie- Tram, and even a special route for concerts.
However, on July 22nd, it was announced that two more units would be added to this system, which is known as a “mobile laboratory”. This is what you need to know.
What is BUSLAB?
BUSLAB is a living laboratory of intelligent mobility. In these units, certain applications will begin to be applied, commented Rafael Kotasek, Head of the Yucatán Transportation Agency. These two buses will operate on the Periférico route and on the Ie- Tram route.
Both will have the same itinerary as other blue-colored units, but they will come equipped with two new applications:
• Quality Surveys: Collection of user opinions to improve service.
• Lost Object Reports: Implementation of a system for reporting and recovering lost items.
They will also feature card payment with QR code or credit/debit card starting from August. By mid-August, the buses will have screens where drivers can see how far away other buses are.
When can you pay with a credit/debit card at Va y Ven?
Furthermore, Kotasek mentioned that by September, it will be possible to make payments using credit/debit cards, which will undergo testing on the BUSLAB. “Everything we incorporate in terms of technology is tested here, people get to know it and then it serves to expand”, he stated.
To conclude, he said that these are “laboratories” because all the tests will be conducted first on these units to find out what people think and thus approve or reject new proposals.
The purpose of this initiative presented by ATY and MOBILITY ADO is to collect valuable information from users to improve service, as well as to promote a culture of continuous innovation through the search for new and efficient experiences for passengers, both in units and terminals as well as in integrated mobility services, prioritizing road safety and efficiency.
Remember, these buses are just the beginning, and as the project matures, similar enhancements may extend to all public transportation units in the state.
