Go-Ahead Ireland starts asset management work with Freeway
Go-Ahead Ireland has commenced work with Freeway Fleet Systems to build a core asset management system built around the supplier’s software. The IT integration programme will “transform” the business’s oversight of its fleet, plant and equipment and deliver comprehensive insight into the costs of running them.
Through an initial implementation in late 2018, Freeway has already been integrated with Go-Ahead’s core financial and bus operations systems, Oracle and uTrack. Development work is now concentrating on capturing live data from drivers and vehicles.
That involves integration with data terminals running a first use check app from Tranzaura and data feeds from vehicles via theur CAN bus systems using the Stratio interface. Wheel loss prevention system Wheely-Safe is also being trialled by Go-Ahead Ireland to gather wheel and tyre pressure data via Stratio.
The operator says that with the consolidation of data, it will have a standard set of outputs that open significant potential for business analytics. Freeway provides a series of standard reports, but for more in-depth analysis, its exports to Microsoft's Power BI data visualisation platform.
Work with Freeway is part of Go-Ahead Ireland’s shift from reactive maintenance to a proactive approach. Predictive systems are thus necessary to prevent failures before they occur, and the Freeway platform synchronises workshop tablets with the central asset management system to give live data on all defects and vehicle status.
Says Go-Ahead Ireland Engineering Director Chris Stringer: “By introducing the latest digital technologies and integrating all our systems, we are gaining a one-click view of every part of the operation.
“As we go along, we suddenly realise that there are very significant unforeseen benefits of this integration. The ultimate aim is to understand costs and, with a mixed fleet of older and newer buses as well as diesel, diesel-electric hybrid and new electric models, gaining a comprehensive insight into lifecycle costs is our objective.
“We can then make better informed decisions using what we feel will be the bus industry’s most comprehensive management information system.”
In addition to fleet management, Go-Ahead Ireland uses Freeway to handle 1,100 assets such as ticket machines, workshop equipment, GPS trackers and others. Inspections are scheduled by Freeway and staff use tablets to ID scan each asset before completing digital reports.
Warwickshire County Council selects Omnibus for BSIP solution
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is to use Omnibus’s cloud-based platform to plan and publicise bus services and deliver on a commitment to improve journey information for customers.
It comes after the provision of better publicity information was identified as a "priority measure" in WCC's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
Omnibus's OmniSTOPdesign timetable publicity software will let WCC create and maintain displays in multiple styles, sizes and formats without the need to use a graphic designer.
“Warwickshire County Council creates and maintains NaPTAN stops, timetable schedules, bus routes, roadside publicity displays, as well as analysing ‘what if’ scenarios and importing and exporting data," says Derek Riley, Passenger Transport Officer at Warwickshire County Council. "Following a county-wide survey to help shape our BSIP, better static timetable information was identified as a measure which would encourage more people to use the bus. For example, 'easier access to bus service information' featured as one of the top three measures in the results from both regular users and infrequent or non-users.
"OmniSTOPdesign offers us new possibilities in timetable publicity that can take things to a whole new level. We will be able to manage roadside and online publicity information for local bus services, from improving roadside/in-street route and timetable information, including the use of digital displays, to integrating bus services and timetables in order to maximise scope for multi-modal connections."
The contract was awarded after a tender process. The contract will see the council implement timetabling, mapping, timetable publicity, roadside asset management and data sharing solutions.
Adds Peter Crichton, Founder of Omnibus: “I’m delighted that Omnibus has been successful in being awarded this tender. Our software solutions have been designed with the needs of transport authorities and bus operators in mind to improve operational efficiency.
“Our timetabling system provides flexible modelling tools that provide high-level timetables and schedules to give a quick view of effectiveness for different scenarios. Our timetable publicity software for stop displays enables users to produce information displays quickly and cost-effectively, while our communications and infrastructure applications provide accurate transport data to all internal and external downstream systems.”
Diversity will win fight for talent, ADL HR chief tells industry
The fight for talent "is real” and employers with diverse and modern approaches are best placed to win it, Alexander Dennis Group Human Resources Director Rachel Smith told ALBUM conference delegates at the group's recent gathering.
That extends to both recruits that are already progressing their careers and those that are entering at apprentice and graduate level, Ms Smith explains. The bus industry “is not as diverse as it needs to be,” and negotiating that challenge will be a major task ahead of the sector over coming years, she adds.
ADL has seen the number of senior roles held by women grow considerably over the past five years, Ms Smith continues. A big part of that has come via work to highlight it as an employer of choice, and with educational establishments from schools to universities, as part of a focus on a younger generation of recruits.
“If we do not talk about the industry, people will not know about it,” she says. ADL has also worked hard to develop leaders from within, but there is an increasing importance on considering modern approaches and the removal of unconscious bias in the workplace.
A “command and control” managerial policy is no longer accepted by many employees. Instead, empowerment and flexibility - including hybrid working - is increasingly relevant, and existing managers need skills that reflect their current and future teams.
None of that comes easily, and Ms Smith accepts that the industry may still be laying barriers to some potential talent “without noticing.” However, the changes made by ADL to its approach have also been beneficial commercially. More home-grown employees have delivered a reduction in recruitment costs, she concludes.