GMV to oversee upgrade of Barcelona Metro Passenger Information System

The multinational tech company GMV has been awarded the contract to develop and roll out a new Passenger Information System (PIS) designed to modernize the information provided to passengers on the Barcelona Metro system. This initiative is a significant step forward in the digital transformation of trains and will pave the way for a common platform for passenger communication, designed to evolve and be gradually rolled out to different units in the fleet. 

The new system will consolidate all the information displayed on board the trains into a single platform. As a result, travelers will be able to receive clearer and more dynamic up-to-date information about the next station, available connections, potential service disruptions, and announcements relevant to their journey. The system will also allow these messages to be combined with corporate and audiovisual content, tailoring the information to the operational context at any given time.

One of the project's distinguishing features is its cross-functional design. The solution was designed to take advantage of the existing IT infrastructure on the trains, thereby avoiding the need for specific equipment for each series. In practice, this will make it easier to roll out the system gradually across different train models through software updates, simplifying maintenance and facilitating future development.

The project also includes the development of a centralized management platform that will allow Metro de Barcelona to monitor the system status in real time, manage content remotely, and plan the information displayed on the onboard screens. It will also provide monitoring metrics that will facilitate day-to-day operations and data-driven decision-making.

The solution developed by GMV will incorporate advanced monitoring, self-diagnostic, and remote update capabilities to ensure service availability and continuity. It will also be designed to operate efficiently even in environments with communications limitations, helping to provide a reliable and consistent experience for travelers while aligning with the operator’s technological and regulatory standards.

"This project represents a significant step forward in the evolution of onboard passenger information systems." It is not just a matter of updating screens or content, but of implementing a common architecture that will enable Metro de Barcelona to manage onboard information in a more consistent, flexible, and scalable manner. “For GMV, our unique value lies in applying our expertise in intelligent transportation systems to a solution designed to grow gradually, integrate within the operator’s operational environment, and adapt to future needs without relying on isolated developments for each train series,” says Antonio Blanco, director of business development at GMV ITS.