Key data:
Job description: Transport Planner in the ‘Routes and Transport Development’ department
Company: Holding Graz Linien
Place: Graz, Austria
I did my internship from 1 February to 31 May 2012.
My contact
What I did:
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One of my first tasks was to process and analyse passenger data. Each day, passenger data is collected using counting systems built into the Graz Linien buses and trams. This data is then transmitted to a central server overnight via WLAN. The next day, I was therefore able to view the data from the day before and check it for plausibility. In cases of interruptions, for example short runs due to accidents, I had to block the journeys in question to avoid the passenger projections being skewed by such events. I then evaluated the passenger figures received using the FAN software (Fahrgastanalyse für den Nahverkehr – Passenger Analysis for Local Transport) and identified trends in passenger figures for the tram and bus routes over a specific time period.
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Another very interesting activity involved checking the functioning of priority switching for public transport at traffic lights. In the Graz urban area, there are several traffic light systems which can give priority to public transport vehicles (bus or tram). This priority switching is enabled in trams through a switch contact on the overhead lines, by setting the direction of travel at points or by installing a ground loop. Buses use so-called ‘radio telegrams’ issued by the on-board computer in a specified sequence. These radio telegrams are known as logging points and have to be re-configured every time a route or bus stop is moved. At regular intervals, I would check certain traffic lights to see whether the vehicles had correctly logged on and off at the traffic light system.
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My third and last task during my internship was to help with compiling and adapting the timetables for the buses and trams. A large-scale redevelopment of the Annenstrasse was planned for summer 2012, meaning that rail replacement transport had to be organised for the tram routes and I was involved with implementing the timetable for this rail replacement service. The challenging thing about this work was to link timetable transitions with the different times of day. More bus services are needed in the morning and afternoon than at other times of day and the task was to plan these transitions to ensure a uniform service with no gaps. This gave me the chance to apply the knowledge I had acquired in the ‘Transport Networks’ lecture using the FAN software and design an attractive timetable.
Why I enjoyed my internship:
I already had excellent knowledge of the vehicles and infrastructure from my work as a tram driver with Holding Graz Linien. Despite this, it was very exciting to take a glimpse behind the scenes and see how the timetables are compiled and what background information they are based on.
I particularly enjoyed the work and analysis involving the traffic light installations. I gained fantastic insight into the planning and implementation of these systems and was able to incorporate my knowledge from the trams into the analysis work. It then became easier for me to understand and interpret some of the traffic light processes which I had previously found incomprehensible.
I particularly want to emphasise the fact that I really enjoyed working in the very friendly environment at Holding Graz Linien. I am still in contact with my supervisor today and am very thankful to him for giving me such comprehensive insight into the ‘Routes and Transport Development’ department. The work was very varied – I didn’t just have to sit behind a desk writing reports, I was also regularly out and about on the transport network.
What I learned:
During my internship, I gained excellent insight into the DILAX passenger counting system used at Graz Linien. I was able to gain knowledge of the system and how to process the passenger count data, from the hardware integrated in the vehicles to data processing using the FAN software.
Prior to the internship, I didn’t realise that compiling timetables could be so complex, especially where certain aspects depend on connections with other lines. By helping to draw up the timetable for the rail replacement service in the summer of 2012, I was able to acquire lots of planning experience using the FAN software and gained an overview of the organisational measures required such as the provision of buses and availability of replacement transport.
There were a few days when the work had to be completed very quickly and measures had to be implemented rapidly. If an unforeseen event led to road blockages and prevented the flow of public transport, we had to quickly implement measures to secure an alternative route. The overriding concern was to ensure the satisfactory transportation of passengers and customers. Last minute timetable changes and adaptations to traffic light systems are possible at any time.
My biggest success / My greatest experience:
One particular highlight was the inspection of a traffic lighting system with priority switching for two tram lines. Through my work as a tram driver, I already knew that the priority switching was not working properly. During my internship, I was able to use the signal project documents to identify the probable source of the error and work with the signal manufacturer to fix the fault. The priority switching system is still working smoothly today.
How I secured the internship:
Since I had spent a month working at the ‘Routes and Transport Development’ department in summer 2011, I wanted to complete my internship in this field. After submitting an official application, I finally received confirmation of an intern post from February to May 2012.
What I want to do in the future:
It was very exciting for me to work in this sector at Holding Graz Linien. For me, this was confirmation that I wanted to continue working in the field of ‘public transport and planning’ after completing my studies. It is a very challenging, technically interesting and future-oriented profession because public transport is gaining in popularity.
