Internet of Things-Based Framework for Public Transportation Fleet Management in Non-smart City

The notable increase in location-based applications especially in smart cities realm is driven by the emergence of miniaturized, cheaper and readily available location-based internet of things’ devices. The backbone of the internet of things is a well-orchestrated electronic infrastructure, telecommunication and information technology. Such a backbone is the precursor for the success of internet of things applications that have mushroomed in the public transportation sectors of the developed world. The developing countries such as South Africa have not kept pace with the development of these electronic infrastructures. Implementation of smart city concepts such as intelligent public transportation system in these countries therefore requires novel approaches. As one of the solutions to this, we present an internet of things framework that enables the integration of multiple cost-effective internet of things technologies through which public transport-related information can be obtained in cost-effective and robust ways. The framework was designed and evaluated using a system prototype for the Free State province (South Africa) public transport system case.