Mass Transit magazine features agency profiles, industry trends, management tips and new product information.
Issue link: https://masstransit.epubxp.com/i/457936
30 | Mass Transit | MassTransitmag.com | FEBRUARY 2015 BEST PRACTICES T IS NO SECRET THAT TECHNOLOGY has revolutionized the way that busi- ness is conducted in today's world. With advances in communication and information technology, the aspects in operating a successful business are of- ten reliant on the ability to share and receive information as quickly and efciently as possible. One of the latest and most popu- lar forms of continuously progressing technology is that of mobile devices and applications that are integrated within these devices. Within the feet management in- dustry, with the assistance of mobile technology and applications, feet managers are able to operate their businesses on the go, while gaining signifcant benefts. With mobile in- tegration of applications, feet man- agement ofces are able to maximize productivity, improve communica- tion, optimize scheduling, reduce costs, provide better customer service and improve the overall performance of the entire feet. With GPS feet tracking mobile apps, connected feets can be listed on one single screen and provide re- al-time control about the whereabouts of vehicles. Increased productivity is achieved through an applications' ability to access and select any and all vehicles within a feet. Trough diferent map views, it is easy to see and schedule route navigations while receiving constantly updated informa- tion about current and historical loca- tions. With the capability to manage vehicles from anywhere, work orders can even be placed and processed with the push of a button. GPS tracking of vehicles, giving exact locations and information, can then give agencies the power to communicate with riders about scheduling and timing. Because of a mobile application's ease of use, communication between drivers and operators is also made more efcient. Real-time chat and messaging capabilities are accom- plished as diferent updates and sta- tuses arise and need to be reported within the transit system. Communication using this form of technology is instant, making solu- tions to problems or concerns easy and highly efective. Te sharing of information then in turn quickens the decision-making process in reducing costs of feet performances when af- fected, such as tracking fuel usage within vehicles in the agency's feet. Mobile applications allow the most important tools of a GPS feet track- ing system to become accessible at the palm of your hand, with the simple touch of a screen on a handheld mo- bile device, like a smartphone or tab- let. With mobile apps that integrate with GPS feet tracking systems, feet operators are able to access profession- al versions of Web systems that lets them track vehicles and entire feets on the go. It also serves to relay detailed, important information and historical activity concerning monitored feets. HE CHAMPAIGN-URBANA MASS Transit District (MTD) serves ex- ternal and internal customers with a wealth of tools making bus route and schedule information readily available and improving communications. MTD has a team of communicators, opera- tions and maintenance personnel, con- sultants and administrators who work hand-in-glove with me to consistently provide accurate information while making continuous improvements. EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS STOPwatch Te real-time bus departure infor- mation network is powered by an Init CAD/AVL intelligent transportation system. Te data generated drives MTD's STOPwatch real-time status and planning tools. Prominent on MTD's website are a trip planner, bus stop lookup for stop real-time infor- mation, and a MyRIDE subscription service for reroute reports. Also avail- able is a link to the App Garage, MTD's app clearinghouse. Te mobile website delivers real-time departures and maps Using Technology in Transit GPS / Real-Time Tracking / Mobile Apps Ryan Blackman Software Developer/ Network Administrator Champaign- Urbana Mass Transit District T I Diego Capelluto Director of Public Transportation Passenger Centered Solutions TSO Mobile Miami, Fla. Urbana, Ill. MTD provides a trip planner, bus stop lookup for stop real- time information, and a MyRIDE subscription among other other features.