MPK Poznan
Reference Project
Depot Management System for the Light Rail and Bus Depots
MPK Poznan
With a fleet of more than 270 trams and 320 buses, the municipal transport company MPK Poznań Sp. z o.o. carries over 200 million passengers per year, making it one of the largest transport companies in Poland. Poznań, located on the Warta River, is the fifth-largest city in Poland with 560,000 inhabitants. The university city is not only an industrial and commercial center as well as an important international trade fair location, but also ranks among the country’s cultural hubs.
The Task
To optimize vehicle and personnel scheduling and to increase productivity and transparency throughout the company, MPK decided to acquire a depot management system (DMS) and commissioned Peak Mobility (then still PSI Transcom) with its implementation. The contract included the installation of switch control systems, electronic display boards, internal communication systems, a network infrastructure, as well as a system for vehicle identification and tracking.
Due to a lack of space in the MPK depots, a new tram depot was built in the Franowo district. It is the first depot in Poznań with fully covered storage tracks. The storage hall, with an adjacent workshop, provides space for up to 150 vehicles. Peak Mobility initially implemented the PEAK.DMS depot management system in the company’s tram depot and then expanded the system to four additional depots, which also handle buses.
The Solution
The DMS models all processes within the depot and provides a transparent overview of the current operational, workshop, driver, and vehicle status. It ensures that vehicles are parked according to operational requirements, manages scheduling for workshop and supply tasks, assigns vehicles to their next duties, and informs drivers about their shifts and vehicle locations.
A central task of the DMS is the allocation of parking spaces in the depot using the Qualicision optimization algorithm. The system detects conflicts and compatibilities, calculates and assigns parking spaces in real time. It can generate a complete occupancy plan or determine the parking position for a vehicle that is just entering the depot.
PEAK.DMS visualizes the vehicle’s parking position and all relevant infrastructure elements for the dispatchers. It takes into account the accessibility of tracks and parking positions, as well as technical and current timetable information. On this basis, it creates a reliable plan for maintenance, repair, and parking positions.
Location Tracking Using RFID Technology
For bus tracking, the DMS uses RFID technology. All buses are equipped with RFID tags, allowing the system to identify the vehicles without interfering with their electrical systems. When entering the depot, the vehicles are directed to their designated locations.
Personnel Scheduling Included
The system also optimizes the scheduling of around 600 tram drivers and 970 bus drivers, enables the creation of duty rosters and the calculation of working hours, and supports the monitoring of absences and the creation of vacation plans.
Expansion to Four Additional Depots and the Bus Sector
After commissioning at the Franowo tram depot in 2018, the system was successfully implemented in two additional tram depots and two bus depots in 2021. As a result, all five MPK depots in Poznań are now centrally managed.
The Advantages
More Efficient Vehicle Parking Optimized parking and duty scheduling
Centralized Transparency Real-time overview of vehicles and personnel
Automatic Parking Space Allocation Intelligent, conflict-free space assignment
Improved Personnel Planning Duty rosters, vacation, and absence management
RFID Vehicle Identification Fast, contactless identification without modifications
Optimized Workshop Processes Planning and control of maintenance and repairs
Higher Productivity Better utilization of resources and fewer empty runs
Improved Communication Electronic information for drivers and staff
Flexible and Scalable System usable for all depots and vehicle types
Future-Proof Modernization and preparation for further growth
MPK in Numbers
Appr. 2.500 Employees
more than 270 Trams and
320 Buses
5 Depots
