PTV Group at IT-TRANS: From data silos to secure decisions for transport planners

Karlsruhe, 17 February 2026. Transportation planners today face the challenge of analysing complex data sets from a variety of sources and translating them into reliable public transport decisions, all while facing increasing cost pressures. PTV Group offers modern technologies, including cloud-based solutions, that intelligently link data, generate meaningful insights, and enable reliable demand and capacity forecasts. These technologies make strategic and operational decisions more secure, faster and more efficient, saving up to 50 per cent in time and resources. At IT-TRANS, the focus of the trade fair presentation is a practical example of a joint project with VVS Stuttgart.

From March 3rd to 5th, the PTV Group will be exhibiting at IT TRANS 2026, the international trade fair for intelligent public transportation solutions, at booth F4 in hall 1. The group will present a solution concept that enables transport operators to develop long-term strategies for their local transportation systems, even during periods of limited funding.

Combine all relevant data in one system

With PTV Group solutions, data silos are a thing of the past. Connecting all data makes it possible to consolidate all relevant information centrally — from survey data from passenger questionnaires to demand information from automatic counting systems and forecast parameters. Transport planners benefit from a complete, consistent view of their networks and systems, allowing them to adjust routes, timetables, and connections with just a few clicks. 

Integrated plausibility checks ensure data quality is transparent and traceable at all times. The systems analyze demand, capacities, and revenues; generate ongoing forecasts; and derive optimized recommendations for operational or long-term planning. Powerful simulations allow different scenarios to be evaluated in a very short time.

Practical example: Sustainable Local Transport Planning at VVS

A current project with the Stuttgart Transport and Tariff Association (VVS) demonstrates the advantages of a networked database. VVS commissioned PTV Group and its consulting company, PTV Transport Consult, to develop a robust database structure. This database brings together historical and current survey data, analyzes passenger numbers, and reliably forecasts future demand and revenues.

Key results of the project:

• Development of a new database structure to integrate all relevant survey and operating data.
• Connection to the PTV Visum traffic planning tool via a specially developed interface
• Successful migration of existing data records
• Establishment of an updatable demand forecast
• Visualization of forecasted passenger flows for long-term strategic planning

Dr. Xiaojun Li, the project manager at VVS, emphasizes, “The data from the Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) system, which is linked to the database, enables us to continuously update and quantitatively calibrate existing traffic flows to current timetable offerings. This ensures that our demand database always reflects the current level of demand. I see great potential in this application.” Ralf Frisch, an expert at the PTV Group, adds: "It is a huge step forward to link data in a meaningful way, especially with large amounts of data, such as in transport planning, rather than viewing data in isolation. Integrating artificial intelligence will enable further applications."

Program Highlights at the PTV Booth at IT-TRANS 2026

The PTV Group will exhibit at IT-TRANS, the international trade fair for intelligent solutions in public transportation, at booth F4 in Hall 1. Visitors will experience how modern data platforms help transportation companies and associations plan strategically and sustainably despite limited budgets.

• Best practice! Daily expert presentation at the PTV booth at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.: “Breaking down data silos: Insights from the Stuttgart Transport Association”
• March 4, 2026: Dr. Xiaojun Li from the Stuttgart Transport and Tariff Association will accompany the expert presentation
• March 4, 2026, 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Congress Area B, Hall 2, Daniele Tiddi, PTV Group. “Enhancing Public Transport with real-time data and AI: the UPPER Project”
• March 5, 2026, 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Congress Area A, Hall 1, Adam Lynch, PTV Group: “Delivering projects! Enhancing Public Transport and Micromobility Project Management with Cloud-Based Modeling and Transparent Engagement”

Additionally, PTV Group is a supporting partner of the Karlsruhe Mobility Lab.

Please register for a press appointment on site: https://www.ptvgroup.com/en/resources/events/it-trans