AtB AS in Trondheim, Norway
Enhancing Public Transport Planning Through Accurate Passenger Counting
Reliable Ridership Insights for Trøndelag’s Mobility Network
AtB is responsible for ensuring high-quality public transport services across the Trøndelag region. With a diverse fleet and a commitment to delivering efficient, reliable mobility, AtB aims to continuously improve service planning, resource allocation, and overall passenger experience. To support these goals, AtB introduced Automated Passenger Counting (APC) technology across its entire fleet.
Understanding Passenger Demand Across the Network
Before the project began, AtB faced a number of challenges common to growing public transport networks:
- Limited ability to accurately assess ridership across bus and tram lines
- Difficulty optimizing resources without precise demand insights
- A growing need for trusted data to justify investments and shape service improvements
To overcome these challenges, AtB equipped 100 % of its city bus fleet (347 vehicles) and 6 trams with APC systems. The project started on August 3, 2019, and positioned AtB to make data-driven decisions using reliable, standardized passenger data.
The solution includes:
- DILAX hardware (master units and sensors) installed across the complete fleet
- DILAX Mercury for software and configuration deployment, ensuring streamlined updates and fleet-wide consistency
With full fleet coverage, the APC system provides continuous and detailed insights into ridership patterns—data that forms the foundation of AtB’s operational and strategic planning.
Service Optimization
Accurate APC data enables AtB to carefully adjust operations based on actual demand:
- Route and schedule optimization: By analyzing boarding and alighting patterns, AtB fine-tunes timetables, adjusts frequencies, and ensures services match peak and off-peak needs.
- Capacity management: The APC data helps prevent both overcrowding and underutilization, ensuring efficient use of operational resources.
- Occupancy information for passengers: The occupancy rate is shared directly with customers via the AtB app, helping travelers make informed decisions and enhancing the passenger experience.
In-House Analysis and Better Decision-Making
AtB conducts its own analysis of the raw APC data, using it as a trusted foundation for strategic decisions and service evaluation. With the full dataset at hand, AtB can:
- Compare supply and demand across lines and time periods
- Identify trends and forecast future transport needs
- Support investment decisions with accurate, evidence-based insights
The APC system has become a critical tool in AtB’s commitment to improving service quality and ensuring efficient use of public funds.
Outlook
With full APC coverage in place and no additional vehicle integrations planned for 2026, AtB continues to leverage its data to drive continuous improvement. The comprehensive availability of high-quality ridership information strengthens AtB’s ability to provide a reliable transport network that meets the needs of Trøndelag‘s residents—today and in the future.
About AtB
AtB is Trøndelag’s mobility company and provides public transport on behalf of Trøndelag county authority. The company manages bus, tram, boat, and on-demand transport across the county and continually works to improve the service for passengers.