Supporting Euro Bus Expo 2016 technology exhibitors
Inside...
Issue 33 Spring 2016
In partnership with
Another year of ingenuity
What does 2016 hold for the world of technology in passenger transport? Last year there was a clear theme of ‘the connected journey’ through the pages of Innovations and at the biennial industry show, Coach & Bus Live. Suppliers of technology to this fascinating, fast-paced industry were looking at ways to integrate technology between third parties, to make more efficiencies for operators in time, cost and administration. The connected journey continues to build, as more and more technology experts find links between their products. No doubt a theme for 2016 will emerge as we get closer to this year’s show, Euro Bus Expo. There are six months to go, and already exhibitors are excited about sharing their latest developments with coach and bus operators, local authorities and other buyers and decision-makers. It’s easy to be daunted by the relentless pace of changing technology, but you don’t need to be. With a marketplace full of innovative equipment and software, there is a lot of choice for you to consider before deciding what is right for your business. Often suppliers to the coach and bus sector have experience or specialist knowledge of the industry, so they know how to help operators, and it’s easy to talk to them to find out how it works – especially at the show. We’ll see you there. Jessamy Chapman Innovations Editor 2 innovations // XXX
Cities getting smarter thanks to public transport From buses to trains, from ferries to trams, smart transport technologies developed by Parkeon are bringing the vision of smart cities to life. Parkeon is creating value for public transport operators and improving the customer experience globally through innovations in automatic fare collection and real-time data management. By integrating ticketing and journey validation with ID-based and smart contactless payment systems, the company is helping cities plan for an increasingly urbanised future that will demand seamless multi-modal travel. “Currently over 50% of the world’s population live in cities – and we know that this will reach around 67% by 2030,” says Owen Griffith, Managing Director of Parkeon Transportation. “Without proper planning, urban areas will become increasingly congested, more polluted and less able to function in ways that meet the needs of citizens. “Key to ensuring that cities work socially and economically is the development of multimodal transport systems that
are easy to access and convenient to use. “At Parkeon, our Smart Transport programme aims to leverage the benefits of innovations in areas such as open payments, multimodal smartcards, apps and real-time data to support transport networks that create value for people, businesses and planners.” Some of Parkeon’s recent technological developments point the way ahead, including: Wayfarer6, Parkeon’s nextgeneration driver console boasting a high-performance 32-bit processor for fast transaction processing and printing, along with multiformat contactless capability. It also provides barcode reading, 4G connectivity, sat-nav/ route learning, two-way driver messaging, fleet management and third party integration Cloud-based back office, connecting on-vehicle ticketing consoles and real-time data linked to fleet management, route adherence and customer information. Both the
Wayfarer6 and Wayfarer200 communicate in real-time with the back office, enabling webbased reporting Open payments, from Apple Pay and barcode reading to ITSO smartcards and contactless bank cards. Parkeon is at the forefront of secure open payment systems that offer efficiency for operators and convenience for consumers Mobile – Parkeon is working closely with public transport groups to provide mobile systems and apps that add value, and is a key technology partner for Arriva. www.parkeon.com
JobWatch makes a big change for Grey’s Mobile workforce management specialist BigChange will be showcasing its JobWatch solution at this year’s Euro Bus Expo. The Cloud-based system combines an easy-to-use back office, a mobile app for drivers and real-time tracking of vehicles. The JobWatch system allows coach and bus operators to say goodbye to manual planning, spreadsheets and paperwork. Journeys and jobs of any kind are planned instantly in
the back office, while drivers receive all the information they need instantly on an easyto-use mobile app, featuring coach or bus-specific sat-nav. The app offers vehicle walkround checks, and drivers can
log and photograph any defects in an instant. The system is used by Grey’s of Ely across its 30-strong fleet. Managing Director Richard Grey says: “We looked at seven or eight different systems available on the market but JobWatch was the only one that delivered the comprehensive range of features that we were looking for. “The BigChange customer service is also excellent.” www.bigchangeapps.com
In partnership with
Innovations // Industry News 28m public transport journeys are made every year in Östergötland
Internet of Things for Swedish region Swedish operator ÖstgötaTrafiken is investing in world-class ‘internet of things’ (IoT) technology from Fältcom to improve public transport information in Östergötland. The technology makes it possible to constantly update travellers with real-time information on bus punctuality. Billions of vehicles around the world are right now being
connected to the IoT to make travelling more comfortable, safer, more efficient and more environmentally-friendly. Now IoT technology is also present in Östergötland, where 28m public transport journeys are made every year, by bus, trains and tram, all coordinated and planned by ÖstgötaTrafiken. In 2015 ÖstgötaTrafiken
installed Fältcom’s platform, MIIPS, in every other bus in Sweden. Now GPS information is sent from ÖstgötaTrafiken’s buses in their express bus service through the traffic management system – and it becomes immediately available to customers via the travel planning tool on their website and in the smartphone app.
“A prognosis about when the bus arrives and if it is on time or not facilitates planning for customers and makes it more attractive to use public transport as part of their everyday lives,” says Eva Jylltorp, Head of Communications at ÖstgötaTrafiken. www.faltcom.com
Innovations // Spring 2016 3
Innovations // Industry News
In partnership with
Selwyns has won contracts based on its use of DriveCam
‘Safer because of DriveCam’ Between October and December last year, almost 1,500 people were injured in incidents involving buses, according to bus safety statistics from Transport for London (TfL). Although the number of collisions involving a bus or coach where someone has been killed or seriously injured has fallen by 48% over the last 10 years, Lytx, Inc., the global leader in video telematics, believes that our roads can be made safer still by identifying risky driver behaviour to prevent collisions before they occur. The good news is that technology is now available to give fleet managers the tools they need to not only
identify risky driving, but also understand the root causes behind it. This understanding allows fleet managers to provide accurate coaching to help their drivers become safer and much less likely to be involved in future incidents. The use of video-based safety systems has increased rapidly over the last 12 months. Lytx itself added 365 new clients and over 100,000 new subscriptions globally in 2015, while almost half of its existing clients expanded their deployments. Those that have utilised this technology have been rewarded with increased safety and reduced risk, such as coach operator Selwyns, which
achieved a 53% reduction in risk during a trial of the Lytx DriveCam Programme, leading to a full deployment to its fleet of 100 coaches. Selwyns also saw a 67% reduction in risky events such as near-collision, not looking far enough ahead, and following too close. “We view the Lytx DriveCam Programme as both an indispensable tool for driver and passenger safety, and as a way to gain a competitive edge in our industry,” says Selwyn Jones, Managing Director for Selwyns Coach Hire. “In fact, we had a recent contract win in which the client’s decision was heavily influenced by our deployment of DriveCam
Customers see benefits of specialist new RSL Passenger Systems team 21st Century will be taking advantage of its larger stand at Euro Bus Expo in November by demonstrating the wideranging capability of the group. The technology integrator will not only be showing off the fleet systems technology that it is well known for, but also some of the new developments coming out of its Coventrybased Passenger Systems team. The new team, formed from 21st Century’s acquisition of RSL last year, has continued to develop its industry-leading passenger information displays and information estate content management system, EPI4, to 4 Innovations // Spring 2016
New iPoint in Weston-super-Mare allows customers to find journey details
throughout our fleet. They simply feel that passengers are safer because of it.” Multiple studies have shown that 90% of all collisions are caused by human error. Therefore, understanding risky behaviour and addressing it with proactive coaching is crucial to preventing future incidents. Even the most experienced driver can pick up bad habits, but Lytx’s DriveCam will identify these risks and enable businesses to apply the appropriate coaching, improving the driver’s safety and making the roads safer for everyone. www.lytx.co.uk
Halton adds OmniDAS
enable transport authorities to provide passengers with up-to-the-minute real-time information and active content such as social media, travel alerts and local information. Customers are already seeing the benefits, with Weston-super-Mare recently launching North Somerset’s first iPoint, an on-street kiosk designed, manufactured and installed by 21st Century that allows passengers to get the most up-to-date travel information, as well as buying smartcards and paper tickets.
After using Omnibus scheduling software for many years, Halton Transport has now added OmniDAS for depot allocation. The Merseyside operator runs 73 buses with 128 drivers, and has installed OmniDAS to replace an old driver allocation and sign-on system. Halton’s MD, Colin Stafford, is full of praise for Omnibus. He says: “We have been using OmniROTA, OmniTIMES and OmniBASE which have delivered significant benefits in terms of operational efficiencies and ease of scheduling.”
www.21stplc.com
www.omnibus.uk.com
Innovations // Industry News
‘Differentiate your business’
Slimline version is ideal for seatbacks
Alfatronix has introduced PowerVerter USB chargers to its range of high-quality voltage converters and power supplies, allowing passengers to charge their phones and tablets on the move. They can be installed in the wall of the vehicles or retrofitted into a pod underneath the seat in front. A slimline version is also available, requiring only 20mm rear space, which can be easily installed in seatbacks. Thanks to Alfatronix’s years of experience in DC power, the design is “superefficient” and has an exceptionally low off-load (quiescent) current, so battery drain when not in use is negligible.
TfGM services now 97% electronic tickets Ticketer has been busy fitting ITSO smart electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), as part of its commitment to make smart travel as widely available as possible. Smart ticketing is now available aboard 97% of Greater Manchester bus services, regardless of fleet size, thanks to the initiative. As well as supplying ETMs, Ticketer is ensuring smaller operators have the right
on-board kit and back office support. Steve Loxam, Integrated Transport Systems Programme Manager for TfGM, says that the Ticketer system works well for operators, and the installation process has gone very smoothly. He says: “There are lots of operators in Greater Manchester, which meant a lot of deliveries, but the roll-outs have gone extremely well. “Feedback from operators has been very positive and I would add my own praise to Ticketer’s performance. “They have responded well to our customer demands and delivered on the promises they made.” The Ticketer ETMs are ‘always on’ thanks to their back office communication. www.ticketer.org.uk
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Managing Director Keith Reilly says: “In this highlycompetitive market, these USB chargers are an ideal way for bus and coach operators to differentiate their service from the competition. “Mobile devices are increasingly becoming part of our daily routines, and for passengers on board public transport, they are today the most popular form of activity while travelling. Many operators are now offering free WiFi on their vehicles, and onboard charging completes this service.” Alfatronix is a UK manufacturer of high-quality voltage converters and power supplies. For over 35 years it has supplied DC-DC converters, e.g. 24V-12V, to power the latest in technology in the coach and bus market. www.alfatronix.com
‘One-box’ solution set to be a global hit Mobile internet pioneer Icomera has joined Information Technology for Public Transport (ITxPT). The ITxPT initiative was launched by UITP, the International Association for Public Transport, in 2013, and aims to implement working standards and practices for plug-and-play IT systems used on vehicles and in back offices.
Icomera’s associated membership of ITxPT gives it the opportunity to work more closely with vehicle manufacturers, systems and service providers, and public transport operators, which are increasingly looking for a single onboard platform solution. www.icomera.com
Modern hire booking Coach Hire Comparison has been developed over the past five years to become a leader in the market in generating direct contact leads for coach hire, thanks to MD James Stoke’s hands-on experience in coach operation. Coach hire companies can browse all current jobs available – and buy the quotes
they want to quote on. The operator has their own control panel to monitor all their quotations and bookings online, and can also get on board with the new partner review system – Trusted Travel Reviews. www.coachhire comparison.co.uk
In partnership with
Student Daria Buszta sees her winning wristband design in action
Mobile Onboard has launched a new R&D facility in Southampton, called Mobile Onboard LABS. The facility offers full design and system integration services focused on public transport technology, and its launch comes as Mobile Onboard successfully delivers an innovative vibrating wristband prototype, ‘ViBus’. The ViBus idea was the winner of the All-Aboard competition run by the Transport Systems Catapult on behalf of the Department for Transport. The competition invited students aged 14-18 from all over the UK to come up with innovative solutions to make buses more accessible for people with visual or hearing impairments. Transport Systems Catapult chose Mobile Onboard as its technology partner to develop ViBus into a working prototype, which was used on a proof-of-
concept trial in Nottingham last month. “We have always had our own R&D team working on product development,” says Corbin Adler of Mobile Onboard. “Opening up our R&D facility to third parties came as we saw an increase in requests for our expertise in designing and integrating solutions, based on our existing technology, to fit their custom requirements. “The ViBus wristband has proved to be the perfect project to showcase the full spectrum of our LABS team’s expertise, and officially launch our exciting new service.” The winner, Daria Buszta from Nottingham, says: “Seeing the wristband in action felt surreal. “Thinking that it was once just an idea in my head and now it was actually working and has got to this stage made me very happy.” www.mobileonboard.com
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Innovations // Industry News
Mobile Onboard launches LABS with innovative wristband
In partnership with
Bringing the bus and coach industry together Venue: Hall 5, NEC, Birmingham Opening hours: 1 November: 0930-1700hrs 2 November: 0930-1700hrs 3 November: 0930-1600hrs Open to trade visitors and press only Contact: Martin Laverton Group Sales Manager t: 01733 405735 e: mlaverton@divcom.co.uk www.eurobusxpo.com
Jessamy Chapman Innovations Editor t: 01733 405744 e: jchapman@divcom.co.uk Daniel Lunn Sales Manager t: 01733 405734 e: dlunn@divcom.co.uk Steven Black Senior Sales Executive t: 01733 405731 e: sblack@divcom.co.uk Dan Roberts Sales Executive t: 01733 405733 e: droberts@divcom.co.uk Phil Robinson Graphic Designer
Diversified Communications UK Ltd, Unit 4, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6FT www.divcom.co.uk © Diversified Communications UK Ltd 2016
Passengers can see if seats are available before climbing the stairs
DILAX helps improve customer’s journey DILAX Systems UK will be showcasing its latest automatic people counting and seat occupancy management systems at Euro Bus Expo 2016. Its technology and reporting systems help bus operating companies to understand how their services are delivered and utilised, enabling them to improve the experience that they provide to their passengers, and increase their revenue. Neil Harrison, Managing Director of DILAX Systems UK, says: “Euro Bus Expo 2016 offers a great opportunity to meet up with existing customers, network with prospective clients and share best practice
with our peers. We are really looking forward to the show and look forward to showing operating companies how our technology could improve their service and increase their revenue.” DILAX Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) systems measure the load of each bus, and real-time data can be sent to either Passenger Information Systems (PIS) or apps to communicate updates to customers. Real-time updates can give passengers the choice of whether to catch the next bus which has full occupancy, or to wait for the next service. In addition, APC enables the operating company to monitor
for overcrowding, access service management data and improve their operations by using the customised insight reports. DILAX also offers seat occupancy systems for doubledeck buses; these systems allow the passenger to see if there is room on the upper deck before climbing the stairs. This leads to a safer service, but also gives the passenger the feeling that they are valued by the service provider. APC and seat occupancy technology both offer the added benefit of mobile device monitoring via Wi-Fi on bus services. www.dilax.co.uk
Better efficiency for mileage recording A new development from EP Morris enables vehicle telematics data to be imported into its Engineering Management System and specifically the Vehicle: Fuel & Miles module (VFM). VFM is used across the industry to extract the fuel consumption factor element of the BSOG claim, submit tyre leasing returns, and provide vehicle performance analysis. The pitfalls of using the traditional hub or cab odometer as the source for mileage readings are that staff are
often recording readings in poor visibility while exposed to the elements, often resulting in inaccurate readings being recorded. Units can be broken, or in the case of hub odometers, the incorrect unit can be fitted. Further confusion is often added as the unit of measurement is misunderstood or can be alternated in the cab on some vehicles. The benefits of using telematics data for mileage and interfacing it into VFM are both financial and operational: Costs to replace broken
odometers are eliminated Administration costs associated with the manual entry of odometer readings are reduced The number of incorrectly read odometers and therefore amount of mileage estimation that is required are reduced Faster fuelling, as odometer readings do not have to be recorded at the fuel pump, reducing depot congestion Mileage is available when a vehicle is away. www.epmorris.co.uk