Reducing energy use through smart transportation.

Smart cities are ones that use innovative solutions to improve their environmental impact while improving life for their residents. One way of doing that is through clever management of public transport speed. A new standard has just been published to guide cities through the process.

ISO 37167, Smart community infrastructures – Smart transportation for energy saving operation by intentionally driving slowly, details how to manage public transport speed profiles so that they use less energy while still running on time. The guidance covers trains, buses, trucks and ferries.

Dr Hiroyuki Sakai, Convenor of the group of experts that developed the standard, said all modes of public and freight transport have a number of parameters, which, if managed correctly, can ensure minimal energy is used while still fulfilling their schedule.

“It is well known that high accelerations and decelerations use up more energy than a slow but steady pace, while still arriving at destination at the same time,” he said.

“Through careful scheduling and speed management, there is the potential for considerable energy savings, resulting in reduced financial costs, less impact on the environment and a smoother ride for passengers. It is a win-win situation for all.”

This is just one of many standards that help cities provide smart transportation, which supports a number of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and climate action (SDG 13).

ISO 37167 was developed by ISO subcommittee SC 1, Smart community infrastructures, of technical committee ISO/TC 268, Sustainable cities and communities. The secretariat of ISO/TC 268/SC 1 is held by JISC, ISO’s member for Japan.