Blackpool Transport has switched to a new paperless system for engineers’ checks from Freeway Fleet Systems.
The operator, which has a fleet of 103 buses and 18 trams, will equip engineers with tablets to replace hand-written job cards and inspection sheets.
Using the software, management will be able to see the status of the fleet via a connected device.
“We generate a lot of paper and, being hand-written, records are time-consuming and difficult to analyse,” says James Clough, Commercial and Finance Director, Blackpool Transport. “We knew we needed to improve the quality of our records and, with digitisation, it is estimated Freeway will eventually replace 11,000 pieces of paper and 62 hours each month of laborious data entry. More importantly, everything will be live and visible, which will allow us to manage things much better.”
Blackpool Transport is also moving to digital for its daily walk-round checks using the Freeway system via Ticketer machines.
Freeway will also be used to improve the automation of stores, purchasing and stock checks.
“We’ve long had problems with parts not being available when we need them,” says Mr Clough. “This has meant that vehicles have been off road longer than necessary. Freeway will revolutionise the management of stores and purchasing and, through better information and processes, we expect to reduce vehicle downtime and improve the management of warranty claims.”
The system will also give management more insight into operating costs of individual vehicles.
Plans to join the DVSA’s Earned Recognition scheme were a key factor in the decision to move to digital, says Blackpool Transport.
