Aurélien Marcon-Blache, CIO for the Tout’enbus network in Aubenas, shares his experience on the technological evolution of the transport network. Since 2019, he has been enhancing mobility by using onboard systems and digital tools to simplify and optimize user journeys.
THE FEEDBACK FROM AURELIEN MARCON-BLACHE, IT MANAGER FOR THE TOUT’ENBUS NETWORK
Aurélien, could you introduce yourself?
Aurélien, I am responsible for the study of routes and schedules, as well as onboard systems, communication, and operational control of the Tout’enbus network in Aubenas.
How long have you been working for the Communauté de Communes du Bassin d’Aubenas?
I have been working there since January 2019.
And what did you do before that?
Before that, I was a bus driver for 13 years on an urban network in Valence, in the Drôme, as well as in other operations. Although I did not study transportation, having obtained a high school diploma in electronics and a DUT in telecommunications of computer networks, my passion for buses dates back to my childhood. Since the age of 10, I have been fascinated by buses, and today, I am fortunate to have made it my profession.
What is your role today within the Maison de la Mobilité in Aubenas?
I improve mobility within the Communauté de Communes by using new technologies and analyzing ridership to adjust routes and meet user demands. My goal is to simplify certain routes or schedules that may seem complicated in terms of timing and clarity for the users.
It is necessary to be flexible to adapt the service as best as possible. Does the service evolve regularly?
The service partially evolves in September, but adjustments are also made throughout the year. For example, we can modify a schedule in response to a request or a change in GTFS. It is therefore never fixed.
Is there also a difference in the service between the summer season and the rest of the year?
No, the basic schedule of the routes remains constant throughout the year. Some trips only run during the school term, and a few are suspended on Saturdays during school holidays. We also have a summer shuttle that operates on Sundays and public holidays during the summer.
What have you been able to implement in terms of new technologies to improve mobility?
Hubup, for starters! The tool simplifies the drivers’ lives by providing detailed guidance on stops and schedules, as well as their early/late status. By entering their route, they get a complete overview of their daily tasks, which reduces errors.
Apart from new technologies, I have implemented laminated route sheets to provide a clear overview of their daily missions. As for displays, I ensure they are as clear as possible.
We have several digital projects underway to continue improving our services. We will also be redesigning the website to enhance the user experience for our passengers, even though it doesn’t directly concern the drivers.
How did you manage to integrate the concept of MaaS into the lives of the people of Aubenas?
Even before the LOM Law came into effect, we were already publishing our data on the national access point, whether it was real-time data or static data in GTFS format. The mapping was also accessible on Google Maps. We disseminate passenger information through several platforms such as Hubup, MyBus, and Transit, so users can easily access this information through different channels.
Our population, although aging and less familiar with these digital tools, is gradually starting to adopt them.
You have been undergoing digitalization since 2020. Do you still continue to maintain printed schedule guides?
The goal is to digitize them and only print on demand. For now, we continue to maintain them and assess the stocks at the end of the year to adjust our approach accordingly.
Do you see a change in the number of schedule guides distributed in recent years?
I feel like we distributed much fewer this year. However, ridership is not decreasing. More and more users are consulting schedules online, and with the increasing number of tools available to find this information, the printed schedule guide is gradually becoming obsolete.
If we notice a significant reduction in stocks, we might consider switching exclusively to digital versions.
We continue to provide schedules over the phone, but we receive fewer and fewer requests as people become more self-sufficient. Our role at the Maison de la Mobilité is precisely to help users become autonomous.
In your opinion, is it necessary to have access to this information?
I consider it essential to have quick and reliable access to this information. It reassures users to know that the information they consult is real and up-to-date, especially concerning bus schedules and travel information. The region already has the Oura app, which covers all networks in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, including Tout’enbus. We also recommend users download our Hubup app.
Thank you, Aurélien, for your feedback, and to the Tout’enbus teams for their trust! We wish them a safe journey.