Improving Collaboration in Multimodal Transport

Roch Muraine

September 17, 2025

Rainbow transforms how companies, staff and passengers operate and connect in public multimodal transport systems.

Seamless mobility is a key part of modern life. Today, transport providers face growing pressure to offer services that are efficient, safe and connected. Public multimodal transport combines different ways of getting around—like buses, trains, bikes, ferries and car-sharing. It needs both physical infrastructure and intelligent digital collaboration.

Rainbow™ by Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise is a cloud-based communications and collaboration platform that helps transportation companies, staff and passengers communicate and work together in real time.

Why smart collaboration matters in public transport

Public transport involves many stakeholders—operators, repair crews, security teams and passengers. To keep things running smoothly, these groups must work together. When problems happen, like technical issues or emergencies, fast and clear communication is vital. Traditional communication tools often don’t meet these needs.

Rainbow solves this by offering one platform for all communication. Whether deployed on-premises, in a private cloud or in hybrid mode, Rainbow adapts to the the needs of each transport provider.

Better operations and maintenance

Rainbow helps improve how transport systems run. One city operator with over 2,000 buses is using Rainbow to manage repair workflows. Staff can talk instantly using text, voice or video—no matter where they are. This speeds up repairs, cuts downtime and keeps transit on schedule.

Groups of staff can also use “bubbles”—chat groups focused on specific tasks. They share images, videos and tips to solve problems faster. Rainbow even supports remote help, so field workers can get advice from experts in real time.

Improving the passenger experience

Passengers want more than just a ride. They expect connectivity, convenience and control. Rainbow helps operators meet these needs by adding live chat, video calls and real-time alerts to their apps and websites.

With Rainbow’s CPaaS (Communications Platform as a Service), passengers can plan trips, get updates and ask for help—all in one place. People with limited mobility can connect directly with staff for personal support.

One heavy rail operator is using Rainbow to reduce the impact of delays. Passengers can get live help during check-in or boarding, which eases congestion and improves the travel experience.

Keeping safety and security first

Safety is a top priority in public transportation. Rainbow helps protect both people and data. Passengers can report suspicious activity through the operator’s app, turning them into active participants in the security ecosystem.

Security teams can use bubbles to respond quickly to incidents. Features like priority-based messaging, alert tones and acknowledgement tracking make sure nothing is missed. Rainbow also works with IoT devices like cameras and sensors for real-time monitoring and automated alerts.

The platform follows strict data privacy rules, including ISO 27001 and GDPR. With over 20 data centers worldwide, it offers secure, sovereign hosting based on local regulations.

Connecting multimodal and multi-operator systems

Many transport systems involve different operators and tools. Rainbow connects them all, from broadband radio and 5G to public announcement and emergency communication systems.

At Operations Control Centers (OCCs), Rainbow breaks down data silos. It brings together apps and communication tools, making operations smoother and response times faster.

Scalable, flexible and future-ready

Rainbow works for transport providers of all sizes. Its scalable subscription model and compatibility with existing phone systems mean no big upgrades are needed. Whether it’s a ferry service or a metro line, Rainbow fits the job.

As transport evolves, smart collaboration becomes essential. Rainbow offers a powerful, secure and adaptable platform that enhances operations, enriches passenger experiences and strengthens safety across multimodal transport networks. By closing communication gaps and enabling real-time collaboration, it supports the connected, efficient and reliable transport systems people rely on every day.