The Austrian IT company Loop21 Mobile Net GmbH supplied its modern Mobility Communication System (MCS) to the 3S Penkenbahn operated by Mayrhofner Bergbahnen AG, which went into service in December 2015. This newly developed system supports management, control and monitoring as well as communication with the individual cable cars – with centralized operation from the control room. Thanks to precise planning and installation coordinated with Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH, the system has been running perfectly since commissioning in support of smooth operation of the aerial tram.
New benchmarks
“With the Penkenbahn we are setting new benchmarks. Apart from significantly reduced waiting times and the outstanding quality of the ride, all the cabins have wi-fi,” says Josef Geisler, the Penkenbahn’s operations manager. “Seamless wireless connectivity is the basis for a completely new communication concept, involving the Intercom system, light control and video monitoring, with everything operated centrally using a touch terminal in the control room.”
“Nowadays IP-based IT technologies provide the basis for management, control and monitoring in public transport systems,” says Manuel Urbanek, CEO of Loop21 Mobile Net GmbH. “Reliability, availability, remote diagnosis and maintenance are the key benefits. We at Loop21 are experts in the field of network engineering. Our specially developed Mobility Communication System is the key to optimized cable car operations. Maximum ease of handling and operation is paramount.”
The project included planning and providing digital communication with the 3S cabins. Loop21’s engineers created a solution based on state-of-the-art network technologies. The specially designed communication boxes including all components are integrated in the cable cars. The wireless services available along the complete line enable the employees of Mayrhofner Bergbahnen to speak directly to the people in the cabins and receive messages on the intercom system, play music, make announcements, control the lighting in the individual cars and access the security cameras. The system is operated via the centrally located touch display in the control room and has an autonomous energy supply with chargers. Public wi-fi is also available to visitors during the ride, and they can receive local information and the latest news via the communication platform Mountainment®. It is fair to say that the innovative Loop21 system constitutes a sustainable customer benefit in public transport environments.
