Public Transport Information Service With Private Enterprises Involved

China

Internet companies: Baidu Map, AutoNavi (Gaode Map), and Chelaile (Yuanguang Technology Co., Ltd.).

ITS; Public Transport; Real-time Public Transport

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For many years, most public transport services in China were provided by the government and operation services were subsidized with public funds. Recently, with the flourishing of internet enterprises, private enterprises have entered the field of public transport services. This includes the provision of public transport information services. Most internet companies provide not only static information such as bus stops, routes and transfers, but they also participate in gathering and disseminating accurate real-time public transport operational data.

Three mobile applications, Baidu Map, AutoNavi, and Chelaile, purchase real-time positioning data from public transport companies or transport bureaus in more than 100 cities nationwide. They then analyze and process the data and provide information to users through mobile apps, websites, and service windows.

In addition to real-time bus position information, most apps also provide information on nearby bus stops, transfers based on traffic and other road conditions and vehicle information, passenger reminders to get on or off the bus, and other relevant information. Since these apps are free, enterprises place advertisement on the app to make a profit. In addition to advertisements, enterprises can profit from providing additional big data analytical services such as public transport advertisement value analysis and public behavioral analysis.

As of December 2014, there were 2 million active Chelaile users and the cost of adding each additional new user was RMB 0.3.

As of December 2015, there were 302 million active Baidu Map users.

As of January 2016, there were 500 million active AutoNavi app users, which is double the number of active users from 2015.

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As of December 2014, the “Chelaile” app service was available in 20 metropolitan areas and provincial capitals in China.

As of January 2016, the Baidu Map real-time public transit data service was available in 13 major cities.

As of June 2016, the AutoNavi real-time public transit data service covered over 20 major cities.

Private enterprises in China collect public transport operational and infrastructure data and provide free information services via internet applications. Previously such information was provided only by government agencies or state-owned enterprises.

Home page of Chelaile: http://www.chelaile.net.cn/