As urban populations increase at a time when the demand for eco-friendly urban transit solutions grow, public transportation systems offer the most effective means of moving large numbers of people within cities. It offers flexibility and eases traffic congestion. To maximize its utility for transit services and commuters alike, technology plays a crucial role, none more so than real-time GPS bus tracking and GPS bus signs.
Transit fleet managers’ concerns usually revolve around systemic efficiencies, and transit GPS devices enable a level of monitoring that makes planning and scheduling much easier. Passenger services are enhanced too, thanks to GPS sign networks and passenger information systems working in concert with operational procedures.
GPS tracker systems provide 3600 solutions that can be used in planning, monitoring, and evaluating transit operations. Some of the key ones include:
Schedules & Maps: Easy electronic access to schedules provide a major benefit to passengers, as does the exact location and arrival times of buses. Additionally, transit managers get real-time tracking information on traffic conditions and can plan for the effects of delays on normal schedules. Consequently, information can be easily disseminated to passengers allowing them to adjust their travel plans accordingly.
Alerts & Monitoring: Real-time alerts from transit GPS systems help ensure passenger safety through geo-fencing, which is crucial information when buses deviate from the designated route or zone. Fleet managers receive alerts and detailed data including, for example, if buses are traveling above the speed limit, driver performance, and fuel consumption. This makes it easy for management to isolate and rectify problem areas, ensuring minimal knock-on effects on the entire transit system.
Increases Capacity Utilization: Public transit systems that have adopted GPS tracking devices, allow passengers to track bus arrival times. Armed with this valuable information, passengers can plan their schedules and develop routines that could result in greater capacity utilization of buses.
Reduces Fuel Consumption: Few things have as great an impact on the transportation industry as the cost of fuel. Outside of operational efficiencies, GPS systems can help reduce fuel consumption by allowing the best TMS software to identify inefficient bus routes, and devising alternatives to them.
Reports: GPS tracking provides analytical information necessary in maintaining fleet records – both past and present – all of which can be put to good use to judge fleet and driver performance, cut costs, and decide vehicle maintenance schedules. The fewer the buses off the road, the greater the passenger satisfaction.
The benefits of GPS tracking for transit systems are obvious and many, as is the convenience it brings to passengers. Over the last 60 years, Transign has been at the forefront of developing passenger information systems, signage products and solutions used by modern fleets today, all of which have helped people understand and develop a longer-lasting connection with city transit systems.