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USE OF BEACONS AND PROBES IN TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT
Bakhtiyor Akhmatokhunov
Andijan state technical institute,
Assistant of the department of Transport logistics
Annotation:
This paper examines the application of beacons and probes in modern transport
management systems to enhance traffic monitoring, vehicle tracking, and infrastructure
efficiency. Beacons, using Bluetooth or RFID technology, enable real-time communication with
nearby vehicles and devices, facilitating data collection on movement patterns and congestion.
Probes, typically installed in vehicles or smartphones, provide continuous location and speed
data that help analyze traffic flow and optimize route planning. The study highlights how
integrating these technologies supports intelligent transport systems (ITS), improves traffic
signal coordination, and enhances overall urban mobility. Real-world case studies demonstrate
their effectiveness in reducing delays and improving safety.
Keywords:
beacon, intelligent transport systems, urban mobility, delay.
Introduction.
In the evolving landscape of modern transportation systems, the demand for
smarter, safer, and more efficient transport management solutions has never been greater. With
rapid urbanization and the increasing complexity of traffic networks, cities and transport
agencies are turning to advanced technologies to better monitor, control, and optimize
transportation systems. Among these technologies, beacons and probes have emerged as vital
tools for real-time data collection, traffic analysis, and user interaction, playing a transformative
role in intelligent transport systems (ITS) [1].
Beacons are small wireless devices that use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to
broadcast signals at regular intervals. These signals can be detected by nearby devices, such as
smartphones or onboard vehicle sensors, enabling location-based services and data exchange. In
transport management, beacons are strategically placed along roads, transit stations, or vehicles
to track movement patterns, deliver context-aware information, or assist in navigation. For
example, in public transit systems, beacons can provide commuters with real-time updates, such
as arrival times or service disruptions, enhancing the overall user experience.
Probes, on the other hand, refer to mobile data sources, typically vehicles or devices, that
transmit information about their location, speed, direction, and other parameters as they move
through a transport network. These data points, collected from GPS-enabled vehicles,
smartphones, or other connected devices, offer a dynamic view of traffic flow and road
conditions [2-4]. Probe data plays a critical role in traffic modeling, congestion analysis, route
optimization, and incident detection. Unlike traditional fixed sensors or cameras, probes offer a
flexible and scalable approach to monitoring vast transport networks in real time [5].
Together, beacons and probes enable transport authorities to collect and analyze vast amounts of
real-time data, leading to improved traffic forecasting, better-informed decision-making, and
enhanced traveler services. Their combined application can support a wide range of functions,
including adaptive traffic signal control, demand-responsive transit, and smart parking systems.
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Additionally, they offer insights into commuter behavior, enabling targeted infrastructure
investments and policy decisions that align with actual usage patterns.
The integration of beacon and probe technologies also supports the broader goals of smart city
initiatives. By facilitating seamless communication between infrastructure, vehicles, and users,
these technologies contribute to reduced travel times, lower emissions, and improved road safety.
Furthermore, the data collected from beacons and probes can be used for long-term planning,
helping cities design more efficient and sustainable transport systems.
Despite their many advantages, the implementation of beacons and probes comes with
challenges, such as data privacy concerns, infrastructure costs, and the need for interoperable
systems. Addressing these issues is crucial to fully harnessing the benefits of these technologies.
In conclusion, the use of beacons and probes in transport management represents a significant
leap forward in the evolution of intelligent transportation systems. By providing real-time,
actionable data and enabling greater connectivity across the transport ecosystem, these
technologies offer a powerful means to address the challenges of modern mobility and build
more responsive, efficient, and user-centric transportation networks.
Beacon-Based Systems: Results and Insights
1.1 Public Transport Tracking with BLE Beacons
A study in Johor, Malaysia deployed BLE detection devices (Raspberry Pi Zero units) at bus
stops and Estimote BLE beacons on buses to enable real-time tracking of bus movements and
journey durations. The installed system allowed detection of bus arrivals and departures,
facilitating ETA computation and future machine learning–based predictions
Beacons successfully transmitted data within ~70 m range, though metal enclosures slightly
reduced signal strength beyond 20 m
The system supported remote access and automated monitoring (via ThingsBoard and Heroku),
enabling enhanced operational oversight
Discussion:
Such beacon deployments are effective for improving passenger information systems.
However, signal obstructions and hardware in unprotected zones may affect reliability and
coverage.
1.2 Collision Prevention in Constrained Spaces
In an underground tunnel in Busan, South Korea, Bluetooth beacons were used to warn drivers
of pedestrian or other vehicle presence ahead. Nine beacons were placed along the tunnel, with
warning zones defined using RSSI thresholds.
Results:
In 50 test iterations, the system achieved a primary caution alert accuracy of 93% and secondary
warning alert accuracy of 95%. No false negatives were observed
This illustrates beacons' potential for safety-critical systems in confined areas. High detection
accuracy showcases beacon reliability under controlled environments.
Adoption challenges may include installation logistics and calibration requirements for RSSI
thresholds.
1.3 Safety at School Bus Stops
A U.S. statewide evaluation in Ohio compared technologies to enhance safety at school bus stops.
It found that systems where flashing beacons are activated by approaching buses via Bluetooth
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detection were the most cost-effective, reducing crashes by up to 29%—surpassing both static
flashing beacons (15%) and variable message signs (26%). Real-time, beacon-triggered alerts
markedly improve effectiveness in low-visibility scenarios.
Such solutions offer tangible safety benefits for vulnerable road users, especially children.
Challenges include ensuring robust bus beacons and seamless integration with existing signage.
1.4 Smart Parking Solutions with BLE Beacons
Researchers developed a smart parking system—operating both indoors and outdoors—using
BLE beacons paired with particle filtering algorithms.
The system accurately identified the occupied parking space and estimated driver–beacon
distance. Successfully guided users to available spots and enabled automated payment
processing
BLE beacons offer low-cost, scalable solutions for parking management.
Particle filtering improves accuracy despite signal variability.
However, dense urban installation may require maintenance and careful calibration.
1.5 Detecting and Analyzing Mobility Patterns
The TravelSense project (Helsinki) integrated BLE beacons, GPS, and mobile app data to
capture anonymized passenger multimodal trajectories.
Combined data revealed detailed insights into traveler movement patterns, modal transfers, and
trip chains
Enabled validation against external datasets and informed urban transport planning BLE beacons,
when integrated with mobile sensing and app data, provide rich, fine-grained mobility insights.
Deployment complexity remains, requiring cooperation between public agencies and users.
2. Probe Data: Results and Practical Considerations
Several studies have used Bluetooth sensor detection of MAC IDs at two points to estimate
travel time and speed.
Findings:
Bluetooth-based travel times were comparable to GPS and loop detector measures in many
studies
One study in Turkey found that, despite heterogeneous traffic conditions, the technology
remained effective, with estimation errors minimal when speeds were around 45 km/h and
detector spacing was 2–3 miles
Data fusion techniques combining Bluetooth probe data and loop detector data improved
accuracy of traffic speed estimation on freeways
Probe data provides scalable and non-intrusive monitoring of traffic.
Penetration rate remains a critical factor—low sample sizes increase variance; calibration against
ground truth helps mitigate bias
Fusion with fixed sensors enhances spatial and temporal resolution, offering more reliable speed
estimation.
3 Work Zone Performance Monitoring
Various U.S. DOT projects used Bluetooth and probe data to measure performance metrics in
work zones.
Indiana retrofitted portable dynamic message signs with Bluetooth detectors to estimate travel
times and improve alternate route information. Result: over 30% of probe vehicles diverted more
ingeniously after improved signage
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Virginia, Minnesota, Texas, Wisconsin, Ohio, Utah and USDOT also deployed probe data to
monitor travel time and mobility impacts in work zones. Analyses included travel time reliability
and post-construction performance evaluation
Probe data empowers real-time and post-event evaluation of work zone strategies.
Insights drive performance-based contracts and better traveler communication.
Deployment complexities include device portability, baseline data collection, and integration
with existing systems.
3 Data Standards for Probe Vehicles
The SAE J2735 “Probe Vehicle Data (PVD)” messages support standardized data exchange for
vehicle snapshots (location, time) in V2X communications
nap.nationalacademies.org
Standardization ensures interoperability between vehicles and infrastructure.
Key challenges include data latency, limited adoption of message types, and message rate
variability.
Standards facilitate delivery of real-time behavior data critical for dynamic traffic systems.
4 Technology Integration: Beacons and Probes in Broader ITS Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)
Ecosystem
Beacon and probe technologies align with broader V2X frameworks—enabling communication
between vehicles, infrastructure, pedestrians, networks, and more
BLE beacons can form part of Vehicle-to-Device (V2D) infrastructure, while probe data flows
into Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) analytics.
Integration enhances cooperative safety, network efficiency, and data-informed planning.
Alignment with wireless and cellular standards (802.11p, C-V2X) remains a consideration for
multi-tech systems.
3.2 Infrastructure Integration Challenges
Deploying Bluetooth-based beacon systems faces infrastructure compatibility challenges:
Retrofitting older traffic systems can be expensive (e.g. Munich needed ~€18.5k per intersection)
pmarketresearch.com
.Installation disruptions can increase congestion—for instance, Edinburgh saw a 34% increase
during deployments
pmarketresearch.com
.Maintenance burdens like battery replacements, corrosion, and firmware updates add
complexity—e.g., Delhi site required 73% more maintenance, Dubai reported 22% failure rates
in coastal environments
pmarketresearch.com
.Urban Bluetooth congestion may reduce positioning accuracy to 58%
pmarketresearch.com
.
Beacons offer many benefits, but cost, deployment disruption, and environmental durability must
be considered in planning.
Cities need careful pilot testing, maintenance planning, and site-specific solutions to address
signal interference and hardware wear.
4. Synthesis and Future Implications
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4.1 Benefits Realized
Across applications—public transport, safety monitoring, parking management, mobility pattern
sensing—beacons and probes have shown:
High Accuracy in warning zones, travel time estimations, and parking spot identification.
Scalability and Affordability relative to traditional sensors, particularly in transit and parking
solutions.
Enhanced Safety and Efficiency, demonstrated by reductions in crashes and traveler delays.
Rich Data Collection, enabling multi-modal insights and deeper planning capabilities.
4.2 Operational Limitations
However, several challenges persist:
Infrastructure Costs and Disruption: Upgrading legacy systems or installing hardware can be
costly and cause traffic delays.
Signal Limitations: WLAN or Bluetooth noise in dense urban areas can reduce detection
reliability. Hardware protection and signal calibration are vital.
Data Quality and Penetration Rates: Especially for probe data, low vehicle sampling leads to
high variance unless compensated via fusion or calibration.
Maintenance Burden: Beacons require upkeep—battery replacement, hardware failure mitigation,
firmware updates.
4.3 Strategic Approaches for Adoption
To overcome limitations and maximize impact, practitioners should:
Pilot and Iterate: Begin with controlled deployments (e.g., tunnels, campuses, transit corridors)
to refine sensor placement and system integration.
Use Multimodal Sensor Fusion: Combine beacons with GPS, loop detectors, cameras, or mobile
data for robust performance.
Apply Standards and Interoperability: Utilize SAE and V2X frameworks to support scalability
and cross-agency integration.
Plan for Maintenance and Resilience: Select durable hardware, plan for battery cycles, and
design for anti-vandalism and environmental robustness.
Engage Stakeholders: Coordinate with city planners, transit agencies, private vendors, vehicle
manufacturers, and the public to ensure successful deployments.
Conclusion
Beacons and probes have proven to be powerful tools in modern transport management. Whether
informing commuters, enhancing safety in critical zones, optimizing parking, or uncovering
mobility patterns, these technologies offer scalable, real-time intelligence. Yet, realizing their
full potential depends on thoughtful implementation—balancing accuracy, cost, maintenance,
and integration across complex urban environments.
As smart city initiatives and V2X ecosystems continue to mature, the roles of beacon and probe
technologies are set to expand further. Through strategic fusion, standardization, and adaptive
deployment, transport systems can become not only smarter, but more responsive, sustainable,
and user-centered.
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