Passenger Information System Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Application (Real-time information display, Emergency alerts & evacuation, Wayfinding & multilingual announcements, Predictive ETA & passenger assistance, Advertising & infotainment), By Transportation Mode (Rail, Road, Air, Sea) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033

Passenger Information System Market Size

The global passenger information system (PIS) market size was valued at USD 33.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 37.6 billion in 2025 to USD 92.3 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

The global passenger information system market growth is driven by rapid urbanisation, increasing demand for real-time transit information, and government investments in smart transportation infrastructure. With over 50% of the global population living in urban areas in 2024, efficient public transport systems are critical, boosting PIS adoption in railways, airways, and roadways. Key trends include the integration of AI, IoT, and cloud-based solutions for personalised, real-time updates, enhancing passenger experiences. North America leads due to advanced infrastructure, while Asia-Pacific grows fastest, driven by initiatives like India’s Digital India. However, high implementation costs and data security concerns pose challenges. The market’s trajectory reflects the global push for intelligent transportation systems, ensuring seamless, safe, and informed travel experiences across diverse transport modes.

Passenger Information System Market Trend

Integration of AI and IoT for enhanced real-time updates

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies is a pivotal trend reshaping the global PIS market, enabling dynamic, personalised passenger updates. IoT devices reached 18 billion globally in 2024, enhancing real-time data collection for PIS. The market is projected to grow with AI-driven analytics improving schedule predictions and disruption management. Cloud-based PIS solutions, leveraging AI and IoT, reduce operational costs by 20%, driving adoption in urban transit systems. This trend is prominent in Asia-Pacific as countries like China and India modernise transport networks.

• For instance, in May 2025, Indian Railways (Bhopal Division) introduced the “Next‑Gen NTES” portal across seven major stations, offering real-time train schedules, coach positions, and delay information to enquiry counters, reducing passenger wait times and enhancing efficiency

AI and IoT integration ensures seamless communication, accessibility features, and predictive analytics, transforming passenger experiences and operational efficiency in smart cities worldwide.

Passenger Information System Market Growth Factor

Rapid urbanisation and demand for smart transportation

Rapid urbanisation and the rising demand for smart transportation solutions are major catalysts for the growth of the global passenger information system (PIS) market. As of 2024, approximately 56% of the global population resides in urban areas, with projections indicating further urban expansion in the coming decades. This urban growth exerts tremendous pressure on existing public transport infrastructure, making efficient passenger information systems essential for maintaining service quality, reducing congestion, and enhancing commuter satisfaction. PIS solutions facilitate real-time updates on schedules, delays, and routes, enabling passengers to make informed travel decisions while optimising transport network operations.

• For instance, in May 2025, MSRTC unveiled 3,000 smart buses equipped with AI to enhance passenger safety, comfort, and real-time monitoring, demonstrating smart transport adoption spurred by urban commuter demand

Moreover, the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming PIS capabilities by providing predictive analytics and dynamic rerouting based on traffic conditions. The growing emphasis on sustainable urban mobility further underscores the need for advanced PIS to support eco-friendly, efficient public transportation systems.

Market Restraint

High implementation costs and data security concerns

The global passenger information system market faces significant challenges due to high implementation costs and increasing data security concerns. The deployment of advanced PIS infrastructure, encompassing sophisticated hardware (displays, sensors, servers), software platforms, and extensive IoT networks, often demands initial investments exceeding USD 10 million per project. These high costs deter adoption among smaller transit authorities, particularly in emerging economies where budgetary constraints are more pronounced.

Furthermore, the reliance on cloud-based solutions introduces heightened cybersecurity risks. In 2024 alone, over 2.6 billion global data breaches were reported, escalating concerns around protecting sensitive passenger information. Transit operators must comply with stringent regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which imposes penalties up to 4% of annual revenues for non-compliance. These financial and security hurdles create substantial barriers to widespread adoption, compelling the industry to develop cost-effective, secure, and scalable solutions to address market hesitancy.

Market Opportunity

Expansion of cloud-based PIS and mobile integration

The rapid expansion of cloud-based passenger information systems and seamless mobile integration presents a significant growth opportunity for the global PIS market. Cloud-based platforms enable transport operators to scale their services efficiently while minimising the need for heavy upfront capital expenditures on physical infrastructure. The integration of mobile applications empowers commuters with real-time access to schedules, route changes, and service disruptions, enhancing convenience and user satisfaction.

• For instance, in March 2024, Thales Group introduced AI‑powered PIS solutions in congested European urban centres, improving real-time analytics and passenger updates, underscoring the drive toward intelligent, cloud-enabled systems.

Additionally, advancements in IoT and widespread 5G adoption drive the development of low-latency, high-speed connectivity essential for responsive mobile PIS features. This convergence of technologies offers operators cost-effective, adaptable solutions that significantly elevate the passenger experience globally.

Regional Insights

North America dominates the global PIS market, capturing approximately 32% of the total market share in 2024. The region’s leadership is driven by well-established public transit systems, rapid adoption of emerging technologies, and significant investments in smart mobility infrastructure. High penetration of 5G networks enhances the performance of cloud-based PIS and enables real-time, high-speed data transfer across buses, subways, and commuter rails. Strong regulatory frameworks emphasise passenger safety and data security, encouraging transit operators to integrate advanced PIS with emergency alert capabilities. The region’s focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and passenger-centric services ensures ongoing expansion of the PIS market. The steady growth is projected as urban mobility demands accelerate further modernisation of transit networks.

U.S. Passenger Information System Market Trends

• The U.S. PIS market continues its strong leadership in 2025, supported by extensive upgrades in transit infrastructure and smart mobility initiatives. National agencies are driving digital transformation in passenger communication systems, focusing on emergency alerts and real-time updates. Smart bus networks have also integrated real-time displays, while several major metro authorities expanded touchscreen kiosk systems at stations. Increased commuter expectations and technological readiness position the U.S. as a key development hub for next-generation PIS solutions.
• Canada's PIS market is growing, particularly in airport and major transit systems. Transport Canada is accelerating digital travel initiatives, including touchless security verification and biometric boarding processes under the "Air Right Touch" program. Transit agencies in provincial capitals are upgrading bus and rail information displays, with some systems adopting electronic coach indication boards and centralised real-time monitoring platforms. With increasing demand for seamless, accessible transit, especially in urban centres, the Canadian PIS market is poised for sustained growth, driven by government-led modernisation and rising commuter tech expectations.

Asia-Pacific Passenger Information System Market Trends

Asia-Pacific represents the fastest-growing market for PIS, expected to achieve a CAGR of over 15%. Rapid urbanisation, massive infrastructure development, and government-backed smart city initiatives drive extensive adoption of advanced passenger information systems. High population density and rising urban mobility needs push transportation authorities to invest heavily in real-time information technologies. Widespread smartphone penetration and increasing internet accessibility support mobile app-based PIS solutions, while 5G and IoT integration enable dynamic, responsive transit updates. The region’s diverse public transportation modes, including metro systems, high-speed rail, and urban bus networks, embrace cloud-based platforms to manage growing commuter volumes efficiently.

• China’s PIS industry is rapidly transforming and embedded within expansive smart city and transit modernisation projects. Major metro lines and bus corridors across metropolitan regions have integrated cloud-based passenger displays, mobile apps, and IoT-enabled dynamic systems. Massive public transport hubs use high-capacity LED displays linked to real-time tracking and predictive analytics. Smart bus deployments include charged electronic signage paired with national fare platforms. Combined with urban monitoring systems powered by AI (like City Brain), China's approach ensures highly responsive, commuter-focused passenger information a model for large-scale PIS implementation.
• India’s PIS market is accelerating, driven by extensive metro expansions and digital transit initiatives. Major urban rail corridors link PIS directly to train control systems to improve safety and prevent operational errors. In metro networks, QR-ticketing upgrades and energy-storage systems are deployed to enhance passenger experience and operational resilience. Supported by smart city programs and funding from international financial institutions, India's push for IoT-enabled, mobile-integrated PIS infrastructures makes real-time transit updates increasingly accessible to hundreds of millions of commuters nationwide.

Europe Passenger Information System Market Trends

Europe accounts for approximately 25% of the global PIS market in 2024. The region's market scope is supported by well-developed multimodal transport systems, high public transport utilisation, and strong government commitments to sustainable urban mobility. Europe’s focus on integrating smart transportation technologies across metro, rail, bus, and airport networks drives ongoing PIS investments. The region benefits from significant funding under EU digital and green transition programs, promoting the continuous modernisation of transit networks. Advanced ICT infrastructure and rising demand for real-time information, predictive analytics, and safety alerts position Europe as a strong adopter of AI- and IoT-powered PIS solutions. As urban populations grow and environmental policies tighten, Europe’s PIS market remains highly attractive for innovative transit information providers.

• In the UK, PIS developments are gaining traction through smart city investments and transit interoperability upgrades. Major rail and metro systems are adopting AI-backed passenger displays and multilingual alert systems. For example, key metropolitan areas have introduced advanced real-time signage with integrated emergency messaging and platform-status updates. Continued urban infrastructure investment and national sustainability targets are strengthening the case for next-gen PIS, including mobile-app integration and cloud data platforms.
• Germany’s PIS market reflects its reputation for industrial excellence and digital transport infrastructure. Transit authorities are rolling out cloud-enabled displays and real-time mobile alerts in metro systems and urban rail. Investments in AI-powered emergency messaging and predictive maintenance platforms are gaining traction within national rail modernisation programs. Integration with comprehensive sensor networks and IoT frameworks ensures high reliability in real-time service updates. The region's priority on efficiency and safety drives PIS adoption, aligning with green transport goals and EU digital mobility mandates. Germany's leadership in smart transportation ecosystems continues to help expand advanced PIS across rail and multimodal hubs.

Component Insights

The hardware segment, including display screens (LCD, LED), communication devices, and sensors, dominated the PIS market with a 43.54% share in 2024. This includes display screens, communication devices, and sensors essential for real-time updates. Rising demand for robust, energy-efficient, and durable hardware drives the segment, especially in high-traffic hubs. North America leads hardware investments with major deployments like LED displays in New York’s subway. Asia-Pacific’s adoption of 5G further accelerates hardware growth by enabling faster data transfers across metro networks. As global urbanisation intensifies, the demand for reliable and efficient hardware infrastructure will continue to support the expansion of the hardware segment in the PIS market.

Application Insights

Information display systems dominate the PIS market, holding a 28% share in 2024. These systems deliver real-time visual updates through advanced LCD and LED screens, addressing passenger demand for accurate, accessible information. Integration of IoT and AI technologies further enhances display functionality with predictive updates. Asia-Pacific's rapid deployment in high-speed rail networks and North America’s emphasis on emergency alerts for commuter safety drive growth. The continuous evolution of display technology and integration with smart city infrastructure ensures the steady expansion of this segment, making it a critical component in improving the overall passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Transportation Mode Insights

The roadways segment leads the PIS market, supported by buses and public road transport usage, with 70% of public transport passengers preferring road travel in 2024. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% through 2033, driven by increasing urbanisation and government investments in transport infrastructure. North America’s strong roadway networks and adoption of IoT-enabled communication systems support growth. Mobile app integration further enhances real-time updates and passenger convenience. As cities focus on reducing congestion and improving urban mobility, the demand for PIS in road transport will continue to rise significantly.

Company Market Share

The global PIS market is highly competitive, with players focusing on innovation, partnerships, and integration across hardware and software. These providers increasingly collaborate with local transit agencies and government bodies to deploy cloud-integrated platforms, next-gen LED displays, IoT sensor ecosystems, and mobile apps supporting real-time updates and fare integration. Strategic alliances, acquisitions, and R&D investments help maintain technological leadership and expand geographical reach.

Alstom: Alstom is a prominent PIS provider that integrates advanced digital solutions into worldwide transit systems. Their offerings span LED passenger displays, onboard mobile platforms, and cloud-based data services supporting predictive updates and emergency alerts. Alstom’s PIS deployments capitalise on large rail modernisation programs, leveraging AI and IoT networks. Recent contracts include system upgrades in key metro cities, strengthening Alstom's regional presence.

Recent Development

• In February 2025, Alstom announced a multi-city PIS contract extension valued at USD 150 million for LED display integrations and mobile-app support, reinforcing the company's leadership in delivering scalable, passenger-centric information systems.

Recent Developments

• June 2025- Cubic Transportation'sfare system upgrade in the Bay Area, Clipper 2.0, faced significant delays. Its mobile and contactless fare integration was postponed to August 2025 following intense regional scrutiny over performance issues.
• May 2025- While primarily focused on autonomous vehicles, WeRide deployed its Level-4 Robobus fare-charging service in Guangzhou, illustrating deep integration of PIS with autonomous transit operations and signaling growing multi-modal PIS applications.