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Mr. Transportation
New Member
4 Posts |
 Posted - 05/02/2003 : 04:04:28 AM
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We're working on using the GPS history feature to assist us in measuring fleet performance. The concept is to use the vehicle history against route information and report out the exceptions. A report would look like: 98% of the routes made all the assigned stops within 5 minutes of the scheduled time. 95% of the routes arrived at school no more than 15 minutes before the start time (on-time arrival) Has anyone had any experience using technology to measure fleet performance and/or other performance measures???
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John Farr
Top Member
USA
642 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2003 : 5:42:23 PM
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We piloted a system, but realized that cost was a big issue and dropped out of the program.
Years ago when we started cameras in all large buses I told the drivers that I would not use the technology to "spy" on them. I have always been true to that statement. Drivers activate their own cameras so they always know when it is on - and they review their own videos. We treat cameras as another tool to assist drivers - nothing else.
That said, the use of GPS in all buses would really help to make routes more efficient. Plus, when immediate coverage of a run is needed, dispatch would see where all buses were and could quickly and efficiently send the closest available bus to assist. Not a "spy" system, but a system which uses the latest technology to make our jobs easier, and routes more efficient.
Another benefit: Because GPS can monitor bus speed, drivers will have concrete evidence of speed if involved in an accident. Of course, this can be a double-edged sword, which certainly will discourage school bus driver's speeding behaviors.
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grayc01
New Member
USA
1 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2003 : 06:45:58 AM
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As Mr. Transportation mentioned, variance reports can be very informative and can point you to routes where attention may be necessary. It is likely that where actual times are substantially different than scheduled times, routing software assumptions need to be altered. Actual speeds and travel times along the route can be used to further optimize the routing process and make routes more efficient. Our system currently allows such reporting and is integrated with most major routing software companies permitting the integration of actual data into the route planning process, resulting in more efficient routing.
One of the things you can do to help operations is a Role Call. This feature allows you to assess your fleet at any time in the morning to identify any buses that have not been turned on that morning and/or any buses that have not transmitted in the 15 minutes prior. No longer do you need to wait for a parent or school to call to learn a bus is not operating. Even if a driver’s bus is disabled and their cell phone and radio is inoperable, you can identify the last position of the bus, send maintenance, and assign a substitute bus.
As John Farr mentioned, such a system is not “big brother” over the drivers and can offer them substantial benefit. The system allows you to back up drivers when parents or others complain about their driving habits or schedule. A quick look at their historical data can identify the time a bus passed any given house on their route and how fast it was going. If parents call to complain that the bus was late, speeding, or did not show, the transportation department can respond with real data in real time.
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Stevebus42
Advanced Member
USA
363 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2003 : 06:07:23 AM
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Technology is a great thing. But at what cost? I would say if little Johnny is geting to school on time in a safe manner and geting home in a safe manner at a consistant time. Then you are doing a pretty good job.
I think we should put the money into making better and safer buses.
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Using GPS to Measure Fleet Performance
