SCRIPT: Safety Critical, Real-time, Intelligent Passenger Transport App for Smartphones via Always-on Global Internet Connection

SCRIPT: Safety Critical, Real-time, Intelligent Passenger Transport App for Smartphones via Always-on Global Internet Connection 12/21/2016 Providing railroad passenger information via smartphones improves the passengers’ traveling experience with added value on train safety and security enhancement. In this project, InfoBeyond advocates the development of Safety Critical, Real‐time, Intelligent Passenger Transport (SCRIPT) App. Onboard train WiFi is enabled for traveling comfort as an attractive proposition for passenger loyalty. Using commodity devices, SCRIPT integrates satellite and onboard wireless mesh networks for broadband data communications to enable always‐on global Internet accessibility. It meanwhile opportunistically utilizes cellular networks to enhance the network throughput. SCRIPT provides PA (Public Address), PIS (Passenger Information System) display, KIOSK capabilities, onboard entertainment, real‐time conductor interaction and other onboard services by means of passengers' smartphones. For these PIS capabilities, SCRIPT designs a Common Interface which is a software module to smoothly interact with existing PIS systems of properties. The complexity of a variety system of property is hidden from SCRIP applications. Furthermore, SCRIPT provides PIS features for the persons with disabilities, such as the prioritized services, disability‐friendly navigation, voice user interface, voice to text, and text to voice, etc. SCRIPT achieves the goals of low‐cost, improved PIS services, enhanced safety and security. Meanwhile, it can generate revenues to drive the SCRIPT’s evolution for better services.