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largebus
Advanced Member
USA
468 Posts |
 Posted - 12/01/2001 : 2:30:14 PM
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I was wondering if anyone drivers or monitors out there would like a laptop or electronic organizer handy-you could keep a lot of information instead 20 million papers and if you had wireless internet access (say through Nextel) the office could send you maps and information to your screen. It's expensive and practical but might be a big help...what do you guys think?
"If it's long, wide and high with wheels it's a bus. If it's yellow with black stripes it's a school bus" |
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MamaLoca
Advanced Member
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2001 : 3:20:00 PM
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I always thought a GPS system attached directly to the bus would be a great resource to drivers. Add PDA technology to that, to store any and all information pertinent to that particular bus and it's regular route and it's connectivity. Although then you get into the "Cell Phone" debate, and whether or not it would distract from driving.
I've always wanted to see HUD (heads up display) technology added to buses. In the case of our buses we use Tachographs and quite frankly they can be put in some bizaar locations and can be difficult to see while on the road.
Of course the cost is restrictive and I'm sure we won't be seeing any of this for a while.
PDA's with wireless internet access would be nice for the individual drivers.
Smile, it makes people wonder what you're up to.
http://www.canandaiguaschools.org/bus/ |
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wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2001 : 05:49:15 AM
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Its great technology, no doubt. I don't really see where it would be any more helpful than a good dispatcher on a two way radio. Plus, you would have to pull over to use that device, and program it, etc. The radio can be used without distracting the driver from the task at hand. Just my opinion. They're neat, but not on school bus routes.
Joe
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largebus
Advanced Member
USA
468 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2002 : 3:30:30 PM
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Laptops are probably out...I have one myself and it is rather large. But an electronic organizer or palm pilot might benefit. Of course none of us can afford that at this time but in the future...who knows.
Getting them there is the first-and the easiest/hardest-part. |
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Brad Barker
Administrator
USA
874 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2002 : 4:08:24 PM
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A PDA would be my first choice over the paper method. There is a program called Quick Office for PDA's. It allows you to store any Microsoft Word or Excel data onto the PDA. If you have all of your student, and route info already typed into a PC and it was done on Word or Excel it is easily transferred to a PDA with Quick Office. PDA's can be carried in your pocket. I paid $200 for my Palm VIIx. Quick Office is only $30.00. Cheaper PDA's are available that would work just as well. Batteries are a problem however. I go through a set of batteries every two weeks. Perhaps a power adapter plugged directly into the bus would be the solution to that.
The old notebook with routes and student info in it is still the cheapest and easiest especially if you have older drivers that aren't computer literate.
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Laptops
