OpenCapacity and S-Bahn Stuttgart lead the way with Real-Time Train Capacity Forecasting
Stuttgart, April 2025 – OpenCapacity, the leader in AI driven Capacity Forecasting for Public Transport, provides real-time train capacity forecasting for S-Bahn Stuttgart. The system has been live on the entire S-Bahn Stuttgart network (Gesamtnetz) since February 2024, covering around 200 trains.
Passengers can now benefit from live occupancy predictions displayed at 69 of the 77 stations equipped with new digital displays (Zim2) offering a more comfortable, transparent, and efficient travel experience.
Fig 1.: Example of Passenger display on S-Bahn Stuttgart
“This is a great milestone and a game changer for public transport,” said Gerrit Boehm, CEO of OpenCapacity. “For the first time, passengers in Stuttgart can make informed decisions, based on real-time capacity forecasts on a carriage-by-carriage level. We’re proud to be working with S-Bahn Stuttgart to set a new standard for digital mobility and passenger comfort.”
Leveraging train sensor data and advanced algorithms, the system forecasts passenger load in real time and shares this data instantly with passengers on station displays - helping them find less crowded carriages and plan their trips better.
Tanja Wildhirt, Project Lead for Innovation and Strategic Projects at S-Bahn Stuttgart, commented:
“With the introduction of real-time capacity predictions, we’re taking a big step toward smarter and more customer-friendly rail services. Together with OpenCapacity, we’re making everyday travel more predictable, convenient, and relaxed for thousands of passengers.”
The collaboration builds on a shared vision to make rail transport more attractive through transparency, digitalisation, and intelligent infrastructure.
This project also marks a critical building block in S-Bahn Stuttgart’s broader commitment to innovation and sustainability - empowering passengers with digital tools to enhance their travel experience while improving train usage and system efficiency.
About OpenCapacity
OpenCapacity provides AI-powered solutions that help rail operators optimise fleet utilisation, enhance the passenger experience, and prepare for the future of smart, connected mobility. Its AI prediction platform is being deployed across multiple networks in Europe.