Electronic timetable information (software)

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The traffic information system Electronic Timetable Information (EFA) is a software product from MENTZ GmbH that helps users plan their journey. The EFA software is used by numerous transport companies worldwide to provide their passengers with timetable information and travel routings. It includes all types of transport, such as public transport ( bus , train , flights ), footpaths, bicycle traffic and motorized individual transport ; therefore EFA is an intermodal information system .

Basic functions of the EFA

The basic functions include public Internet timetable information, information for customer advice in the call center and information for mobility and visually impaired people. The functionality of the departure monitor shows the next departure options from a specific stop.

EFA output channels

Customers can not only query EFA timetable information via the Internet , but also via mobile devices:

  • Offline
  • SMS
  • Via online browser
  • Via online Java

EFA can also be integrated into systems with speech recognition and artificial speech output:

  • Voice-controlled information

In addition, the EFA offers various options for printing on the Internet:

  • Notice timetables
  • Timetable book pages
  • Line plans
  • City map details

Real-time information

Real-time events (incident capturing)

The Incident Capturing System (ICS) from mdv made it possible to pass on "current information" to the EFA. Text and image information can be output together with the information. In addition, short-term fault reports can also be incorporated into travel planning. With the help of the incident capturing system, “current information” can also be passed on to third-party systems via defined interfaces (e.g. TPEG ).

Timetable information with real-time and forecast data

Control centers that know the actual timetable of their vehicles during operation can forward this real-time and forecast data to EFA. EFA is thus able to take this highly topical information into account in all information within seconds. The EFA can display a departure monitor with all the latest information on the punctuality or delay of trains and buses.

Individual transport in the EFA

Bicycle routing

Cycle routes can also be calculated with the EFA. The attribution of streets is of crucial importance. Bicycle paths on the roadside can be recorded as well as recreational cycle paths.

By weighting the different attributes in the routing algorithm, bicycle routes can be calculated that are safe and correspond to the personal preferences of the cyclist.

Car routing

The intermodal information system EFA determines the optimal connection across all modes of transport between a start-destination relation. Both monomodal trips with motorized individual traffic and / or public transport (PT) as well as scenarios ( park-and-ride , kiss-and-ride , ...) can be calculated. For a car trip, the shortest, fastest or cheapest way can be requested. Routes via intermediate destinations are possible.

Web links

Regional EFA offers in Germany:

Worldwide: