One of the many ways GPS tracking devices are used for fleet tracking is city bus tracking. Over the last decade, communities have found that the utilization of GPS tracking systems not only improves efficiency in public transportation operations, but also encourages citizens to take advantage of the transportation resources available to them. Here are the top four reasons why GPS tracking improves public bus systems:
Location and Schedule Monitoring
Transportation dispatchers using GPS for fleet tracking are easily able to monitor the location of each bus in real time through the use of GPS tracking software. If a particular route or driver is causing delays within the transportation system, the problem is easily isolated and fixed in a manner that saves time, financial resources, and maintains satisfaction for the public.
Increased Ridership
Simply stated, every public transportation system wants more commuters. Some community bus systems have found that GPS tracking systems which allow patrons to monitor the location and estimated arrival time of their bus via a smartphone application actually increase the overall ridership within the system. For example, if rushed commuters can verify their bus is running on time, or know it is running late, they are much more likely to align their schedules with bus arrival times, resulting in more riders overall.
Fuel Dollars Saved
With fuel costs rising, bus system administrators are becoming increasingly aware of this threat to their bottom lines. As an industry dramatically affected by fuel costs, public bus systems possibly have the most to gain from the use of GPS tracking systems allowing them to identify and remap the most inefficient routes within the system.
Pleased Riders
GPS tracking provides an effective tool for maintaining a city-wide bus system that is hassle free and reliable for patrons, resulting in satisfied, returning public transportation customers.
Police apprehended a 21 year old man who allegedly stabbed a taxi driver in Kansas City, MO thanks to a GPS tracking device installed in the taxi in which he was riding. After a pursuit reaching 117 mph, and a short foot chase, police arrested the alleged stabber.
GPS tracking for taxi cabs and other vehicle fleets is a business option used by more and more businesses everyday. Not only can business owners protect employees, GPS trackers can also help business owners more efficiently manage their business.
View TrackingTheWorld’s line of GPS tracking devices .
Story Source: http://fox4kc.com/2012/12/21/police-arrest-suspect-in-cab-driver-stabbing-with-help-of-gps/
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We’ve written several times in the last year about cities around the world utilizing GPS tracking devices to improve their public transportation systems.
Our latest news find on the topic details a GPS tracking initiative for public transportation GPS trackers in Pullman, WA as a result of a stimulus grant which will also fund the purchase of a camera for each bus.
The GPS tracking system is currently in testing, and is expected to be available to patrons in 2012.
Source: http://news.wsu.edu/pages/publications.asp?Action=Detail&PublicationID=29235&TypeID=1
As a result of grant funding, the state of Vermont will soon be using GPS tracking devices to provide better transportation services to veterans who need transportation to work, medical appointments, and more. Convenience and accessibility are some of the key goals of the GPS tracking program. In addition, the program will allow dispatchers to easily monitor the locations of all transportation vans throughout the state.
Source: http://gpstrackinginfo.com/gps-tracking-devices-to-be-installed-in-veteran-transit-in-va/2585
Two-million dollars in grant funding will be put to work improving technology for Columbia, Missouri’s city bus transportation system, including the possible addition of a GPS tracking system to the city’s bus fleet, and the addition of natural gas powered buses.
The GPS tracking systems would allow smart phone users to view the location and arrival information of each bus.
Other technologically-advanced considerations include auto-counting of passengers and length of individual bus rides with the goal of creating a more efficient public transportation system for the city.
Source: http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2011/oct/26/gps-might-track-columbias-buses/
Train riders in parts of India are going to get a serious upgrade to their
train system. A new GPS tracking-based passenger information system, known as the
Satellite Imaging for Rail Navigation (SIMRAN) system, will soon be giving them
real time information on the location of trains. The GPS tracking systems will be installed in the Mumbai and Howrah Rajdhanis lines. The type of information available will include the exact location, the speed and the estimated arrival time of trains, based on this information.
The system will begin with four select trains as a pilot program, though
private testing has taken place. If the system turns out to be a success it
could be installed in over 8,000 trains that connect to 8,177 stations. The
system could, in time, replace a human-managed system that relies on phone calls.
Source: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/gpsbased-information-system-in-howrah-mumbai-rajdhanis/185421-11.html
Read more about GPS tracking and public transportation in India.
A $49.5 milion dollar contract to purchase high tech public transportation buses for Staten Island will result in patrons having the conveniences of plugging in laptop computers, cell phones, and more. In addition, the Metropolitan Transit Authority reports Staten Island bus patrons will soon have the ability to use a GPS tracking application to track the location of any bus at any time via their computer or smart phone.
GPS tracking installed on the new buses will allow patrons the convenience of knowing if their bus is running on time, resulting in a more reliable, user-friendly public transportaton system. New Yorkers endure some of the longest commute times in the nation.
Many major cities are now offering GPS tracking of their public transportation system for the convenience of their patrons. Here’s another story about GPS tracking for city buses.
Source: http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/swank_new_high-tech_buses_head.html
According to the Detroit Free Press, GPS tracking technology for tracking airplanes, could soon be available if government funding and the approval of the FAA come through.
With a concept easily comparable to fleet tracking, GPS tracking systems for aircraft would allow pilots to fly directly to their destinations rather than using the current practice of indirect routes which are dependent upon the ability to communicate with ground stations.
GPS tracking systems will also allow pilots to see their own locations as well as the locations of other planes in the area. Precision GPS technology will allow planes to fly closer together. In addition, it is anticipated that GPS tracking installed on aircrafts will result in fuel conservation due to the fact that pilots will have the technology necessary to glide directly on to the runway while idling, rather than using the current procedure of stair step descents which consume considerable amounts of fuel.
GPS tracking for aircraft may be delayed due to lack of funding and the FAA approval process. Some fear that a prolonged delay would negatively affect the United States’ lead role in high tech aviation development around the world.
Source: http://www.freep.com/article/20110705/NEWS07/107050337/GPS-system-aims-make-flying-easier
