INIT Modernizes Operations Control and Improves Passenger Information at
M TAG Grenoble

Unified ITCS Replaces four Non-Interoperable Systems

INIT’s MOBILE-ITCS will provide a real-time overview of the entire operation, streamline processes, and significantly enhance service quality for passengers. © MTAG/P. Paillard

Karlsruhe / Germany, Grenoble/ France – May 7, 2026

The public transport authority SMMAG of Grenoble and its main operator, M TAG, to which it has entrusted project management, are entering a new era of operations control and passenger information, having selected INIT’s MOBILE-ITCS nextGen. The new system will replace four previously separate, non-interoperable systems with a single, unified Intermodal Transport Control System. This will provide a real-time overview of the entire operation, streamline processes, and significantly enhance service quality for passengers.  

Over time, Grenoble’s operations control environment has evolved alongside the gradual expansion of its service area, meaning that operators and transport companies have to work with four different systems. Going forward, all service providers will use a single ITCS that provides real-time visibility of all vehicles and routes, whether operated directly or by contractors. The system also offers a broader range of enhanced dispatching measures, enabling faster responses to disruptions and making daily work in the control centre much more efficient.

Future-proof radio solution

A central element of the new system is a modern and future-proof communication architecture. It initially integrates the existing TETRA radio solution, which has limited coverage, and is being further developed in parallel to include mobile communication technologies such as LTE (4G). This will enable full real-time monitoring across the entire network.

Improved passenger information and increased punctuality

M TAG expects the new system to lead to improved punctuality and a more reliable overall mobility offering across the entire network. © MTAG/P. Paillard

Improved real-time monitoring has a direct impact on service quality. Delays can be identified early, allowing measures to be implemented more quickly. M TAG expects this to lead to improved punctuality and a more reliable overall mobility offering across the entire network. Passenger information will also be delivered more consistently across all channels, from the website and mobile app to on-board and station displays.

Modern onboard technology for the entire fleet

More than 500 vehicles will be integrated into the new ITCS. The 240 city buses owned by SMMAG and some of the suburban buses operated by M TAG’s subcontractors will be equipped with the COPILOTpc onboard computer, while the 88 trams will use the rail-certified COPILOTrail onboard computer, supplemented by the TOUCHmdt and TOUCHit data terminals. The approximately 200 vehicles operated by  transport providers under contract with SMMAG or subcontracted by M TAG will be fitted with tablets running the COPILOTapp. Both app and onboard computer stand out for their ease of use, provide clear displays of operational information such as routes and schedule adherence, and support voice and data communication with the control centre.

Long-term operation and future-proof system architecture

The contract has a term of 17 years and, in addition to the system implementation, also includes comprehensive technical maintenance services. The cloud-enabled, multi-tenant and scalable system architecture ensures long-term scalability and future readiness, allowing M TAG to extend the INIT ITCS to additional neighboring areas if required.

With the introduction of MOBILE-ITCS, M TAG Grenoble is laying the foundation for more efficient operations, improved working conditions for dispatchers and drivers, and a noticeably improved service for passengers: both now and in the years to come. 

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INIT’s MOBILE-ITCS will provide a real-time overview of the entire operation, streamline processes, and significantly enhance service quality for passengers. © MTAG/P. Paillard

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M TAG expects the new system to lead to improved punctuality and a more reliable overall mobility offering across the entire network. © MTAG/P. Paillard

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Andrea Mohr-Braun

Head of Department Corporate Marketing
INIT worldwide
Phone: +49 721 6100 113
Fax: +49 721 6100 399

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