This document describes a smart public transportation system in Bucharest, Romania that uses iBeacons to help visually impaired users navigate the public bus and trolley system. Over 500 iBeacons were installed on 500 buses and trolleys, and connected to a mobile app to provide navigation assistance to the 7,000 visually impaired people registered in Bucharest. The system uses iBeacons to notify users when their bus is approaching and helps them board the correct vehicle. It was launched in 2015 as a partnership between a non-profit, a technology company, the public transportation authority, and a philanthropic organization.

1. SMART PUBLIC
TRANSPORT

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A world premiere
 Large-scale
iBeacons network
 Guiding
visually-impaired
 Access to public
transport system

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Bucharest, Romania
 500 iBeacons
 500 buses and trolleys
 12000 potential users
 7000 visually impaired
officially registered

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Completely integrated solution
 Hardware: iBeacons - Bluetooth Low Energy devices
 Mobile Application available for iOS and Android
 Cloud-based management platform

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Functional process
STEP ONE
User leaves home after
setting the mobile application
to follow the bus lines
covering the route he wants
to move on.
Bluetooth Low Energy
enabled and data traffic
access on smartphone.

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Functional process
STEP TWO
The bus approaches the
station. The uniquely
identified iBeacon installed
on the bus continuously
emits a Bluetooth Low
Energy signal, at a steady
standard frequency.

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Functional process
STEP THREE
When the vehicle is approaching at
50-60 meters, the user’s phone
receives a notification.
The notification is delivered with a
specific audio signal and the voice-
over application on the phone reads
the notification’s text.

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STEP FOUR
Functional process
Bus arrives, iBeacon’s buzzer
repeatedly broadcasts Beep signal,
knowing from the platform that an
interested passenger is waiting.
Thus, the user precisely identifies
the desired bus, if more vehicles
arrive simultaneously in station.

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Functional process
STEP FIVE
The user goes on the bus,
notifications and buzzer
signals automatically stop.
The process repeats when the
user reaches another bus
station and notifies the
application that he expects
another transit line.

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Strongest iBeacon on the market
specially designed for this project
Enterprise Beacon
 Operates in outdoors conditions
 Waterproof enclosure
 Energy autonomy of up to 4 years
 Low maintenance costs
 Optional: AC power source of 220 volts or
USB connection
 Bluetooth signal range: up to 70 meters
 Specially equipped with buzzer

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Partners in the project
 Tandem Association – project idea, testing, volunteers, promotion
 Onyx Beacon – solution development, implementation, testing
 RATB – public transportation company - infrastructure partner
 Vodafone Foundation – financing "Mobile for Good" program

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 January 2015: first concept meeting
 February 2015: project is embraced by
Vodafone Foundation
 March 2015: RATB public transport company
becomes partner in the project
 April – May 2015: solution development,
laboratory tests
 May 2015: first 40 iBeacons installed on bus
lines 86 and 90
 June – August 2015: Pilot phase: tests,
improvements
 August – September 2015: full deployment
 September – December 2015: Communication
and training campaign for potential users

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“We believe that technology can bring positive social changes and seriously improve and
develop life quality standards within communities. Vodafone Foundation is honoured to
support valuable projects able to bring real social benefits for thousands of citizens” -
Ravinder TAKKAR, CEO Vodafone Romania

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Thank you.
Contact us for more. sales@onyxbeacon.com