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The Role of Be In, Be Out (BIBO) in Multimodal Travel Solutions

Mobility on demand and shared mobility services, currently under significant pressure to unify, are essential components of this integration. On the surface, this strategic pivot seems necessary for passenger convenience, but what if it can also be used to meet intensifying demands for efficiency, increased revenue, and sustainability for operators?

According to a study by the International Association of Public Transport, implementing BIBO systems can reduce fare evasion by over 15%, though there are many other factors that can be improved by multimodal technology..

Amidst this transformation, BIBO technology promises frictionless travel experiences that align with top industry trends of sustainability and ESG practices. As this sector reaches a critical crossroads in its growth, the question remains: can BIBO effectively contribute to the future of integrated, sustainable urban transport?

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

  • Multimodal travel requires systems and processes that integrate various transport modes into a single cohesive network.
  • Be In, Be Out (BIBO) technology is an integral component of multimodal passenger transport that delivers a seamless experience from one form of transportation to another.
  • BIBO technology can be used to streamline fare collection and improve operational efficiency by automatically detecting and registering passengers’ presence without direct interaction.

What is Be In, Be Out Technology?

Be In, Be Out technology solutions are intended to automate the fare collection process by detecting when passengers enter and exit transit vehicles without requiring any physical interaction. This technology is a key component in modernizing urban mobility systems and aligning them with the needs of fast-paced urban environments.

Unlike traditional ticketing systems, BIBO technology aims to streamline the entire process, making it more convenient and efficient for both passengers and transit operators.

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How BIBO Technology Works

The gating systems in transit stations are major points of congestion and passenger friction. BIBO is a hands-free approach to a truly frictionless experience that uses proximity detection of passengers to track movements accurately, assess fares appropriately, and validate tickets. 

  • Automated Detection. BIBO systems use technologies such as ultrasonic (data-over-sound) to detect the presence of a passenger entering or exiting a vehicle utilizing a sound emitted from an in-station speaker to the passenger’s mobile phone.
  • Automated Logging. Ultrasonic tones can be used for access systems to automatically log the entry and exit of passengers without any manual input from the passenger.

Why BIBO Ticketing Matters

Traditional fare collection methods can be time-consuming and prone to errors. BIBO systems automate the entire process, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the risk of human error.

Why BIBO Ticketing Matters

Traditional fare collection methods can be time-consuming and prone to errors. BIBO systems automate the entire process, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the risk of human error.

Increased Throughput

By automating fare collection, BIBO technology significantly speeds up the boarding and alighting process.

Automated Fare Collection

Traditional systems often create bottlenecks as passengers queue to scan tickets or pass through turnstiles. BIBO eliminates these steps, allowing for smoother and faster passenger flow, which is especially crucial during peak hours.

Accurate Data Collection

BIBO systems provide transit operators with precise data on passenger counts and movement patterns at the point of entry and exit.

Route Optimization

Passenger counts and movement pattern sare critical for optimizing routes, schedules, and vehicle allocation to meet demand efficiently.

Reduced Fare Evasion

BIBO systems automatically detect every entry and exit, minimizing the opportunities for evasion—such as not scanning a ticket or jumping turnstiles.

Fair Revenue Collection

Identifying unticketed passengers prior to entry or exit is a means to improve fair revenue collection and system integrity.

Addressing fare evasion, in particular, is complex, as the reasons why an un-ticketed passenger makes their way through the turnstiles and onto a bus or train varies. Sometimes unscanned tickets aren’t nefarious, while in other instances, it can be intentional; the multiple variables that may result in fare evasion impact how BIBO technology can solve it.

For example:

  • Accounting for unscanned tickets
  • Gaining insights on unmonitored exits 

When a ticket isn’t scanned, it can lead to revenue loss and discrepancies in passenger data. The reasons why a ticket goes unscanned can vary greatly. Often, we talk about multiple passengers entering through a single turnstile at once or skipping physical barriers altogether, but it can also happen when the system fails or gives a false positive, or broadband or BLE connectivity goes down. With BIBO solutions powered by ultrasonic, each passenger is accounted for automatically, mitigating these issues.

In some systems, exits are less monitored than entries, which can lead to inaccurate data on passenger volumes and journey lengths. This lack of oversight can occur for several reasons, such as inadequate staffing, reliance on outdated technology, or system design that prioritizes entry data collection. This gap in monitoring can lead to discrepancies in understanding passenger flow and journey patterns. By implementing comprehensive BIBO solutions powered by ultrasonic technology, transit systems can accurately track both entries and exits, helping to optimize service levels, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the overall passenger experience.

Benefits of BIBO

1. Enhancing Efficiency with BIBO Technology

BIBO technology has the potential to significantly enhance operational efficiency by automating fare collection and providing real-time data insights.

Automation

Automation is at the core of BIBO technology’s efficiency benefits. By automating the fare collection process, BIBO systems reduce the need for manual intervention and streamline operations. For example, transit operators can use automated data analysis to optimize routes and schedules based on passenger patterns, improving overall efficiency.

Real-Time Data

Access to real-time data is another significant advantage of BIBO technology. Transit operators can use this data to monitor passenger flows, manage capacity, and make informed decisions. For instance, real-time data can help identify peak travel times and adjust service frequency accordingly, ensuring a better match between supply and demand.

2. Improving Fraud Control with BIBO Technology

Implementing robust measures to improve fraud control is essential for transit operators. BIBO technology offers advanced solutions that ensure secure and accurate fare collection, minimizing the risk of fraud.

Real-Time Ticket Validation

One of the most effective ways BIBO technology can improve fraud control is through real-time ticket validation. This ensures that each passenger’s entry and exit are accurately recorded, and fares are charged based on the actual distance traveled. For example, when a passenger boards a train, the system instantly validates their entry and continues to track their journey until they disembark.

Encrypted Data Transmission

Ensuring secure data transmission is crucial for preventing fraud. BIBO systems use secured or encrypted data to protect passenger information and prevent unauthorized access. For instance, ultrasonic BIBO solutions can securely transmit fare data using sound waves, making it difficult for hackers to intercept or manipulate the information, especially when the secured data is combined with 3rd party encryption tool.

3. Increasing Throughput with BIBO Technology

Increasing throughput is essential for maintaining efficient and effective transit systems, especially in high-density urban areas.

Seamless Boarding and Alighting

BIBO technology enables fast and seamless boarding and alighting processes, which is essential for maintaining high throughput in busy transit systems. For example, during rush hour, BIBO systems can help prevent delays and ensure a steady flow of passengers, reducing congestion and wait times.

Capacity Management

Effective capacity management is crucial for optimizing throughput. BIBO technology provides transit operators with valuable insights into passenger volumes and travel patterns, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively. For instance, real-time data on passenger counts can help operators deploy additional vehicles during peak hours, improving overall service efficiency.

4. Enhancing the Passenger Experience with BIBO Technology

A positive passenger experience is vital for encouraging the use of public transportation. BIBO technology can enhance this experience by offering a convenient, safe, and user-friendly fare collection system.

Touchless Experience

One of the most appealing aspects of BIBO technology for passengers is the touchless experience it provides. By eliminating the need for physical tickets and minimizing contact points, BIBO systems offer a safer and more convenient way to travel. For example, passengers can board a bus or train without having to interact with ticket machines or transit staff, making their journey more enjoyable.

Compatibility with Multimodal Travel

BIBO technology is particularly well-suited for multimodal travel, where passengers use multiple forms of transportation to complete their journey. For example, a commuter might use a combination of buses, trains, and bicycles to reach their destination. BIBO systems can seamlessly integrate with different modes of transport, providing a unified fare collection system that simplifies the travel experience.

The Future of BIBO in Multimodal Travel

As cities increasingly embrace smart technologies, the integration of Be-In/Be-Out (BIBO) technology into multimodal travel is evolving from a speculative “what-if” scenario to a critical, must-have solution. By leveraging advanced technologies like ultrasonic data transmission, BIBO systems enhance transit operations, streamlining passenger journeys, reducing congestion, and supporting sustainable urban mobility initiatives with secure, real-time tracking and verification.

The applications of BIBO technology extend well beyond traditional public transportation, as well.

As the technology matures, it promises to revolutionize the integration into shared mobility services, parking facilities, and pedestrian flow management in large public venues. This expansion is set to make BIBO an indispensable component of smart city ecosystems, driving innovation in how we move and interact within urban spaces and ensuring BIBO remains at the forefront of shaping modern, integrated transport systems.

To learn more about how LISNR’s ultrasonic proximity solutions can facilitate your BIBO initiatives and transform urban mobility, let’s connect and discuss the possibilities.