TransMach has launched a ticket machine-enabled real-time vehicle tracking system called Bus Tracker that it says is “the most accurate” such product in the industry.
Bus Tracker utilises Transmach’s 4G Android ticket machines to pinpoint location via GPS. The supplier is now making it available to customers free of charge as a website plug-in that is branded for each operator to help with patronage recovery.
The product enables passengers to track buses and benefit from expected arrival times at each stop. It has been on trial with selected TransMach customers in the UK and Ireland for six months and has contributed to an increase in patronage by up to 10%, the supplier claims.
TransMach Director Minesh Vandra says that Bus Tracker also streamlines requirements around the Bus Open Data Service (BODS), applicable in England outside London. Mr Vandra adds that some operators have struggled with the challenges of providing legally required data to BODS and in some cases are processing it manually.
“TransMach works closely with provincial bus companies to upgrade them to a cloud-based system, which ticks all the boxes regarding contactless payment capability, BODS compliance, driver shift allocation, vehicle mileage and occupancy rates. We have seen customers boost passenger numbers by more than 10% after moving to this technology,” he continues.
“Our Bus Tracker module is unique to the UK market and its capability saves operators considerable time and resources, allowing them to focus on delivering the most efficient service. TransMach’s contactless ticket machines are also helpful when it comes to securing BSOG, as they are compatible with all forms of contactless payment protocol, including ITSO smartcards, travel QR codes and the latest EMV specification.”
In addition, the TransMach Cloud mobile app allows managers to run their operations while on the move. A smartphone dashboard provides live ticket revenue data and enables two-way messaging with drivers via the ticket machine.
