public transportation

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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.