ShuttleID and Pinpointers create fuel saving guide
School bus pass and ticketing platform ShuttleID has worked with vehicle tracking and fleet management specialist Pinpointers to release a guide to saving fuel with technology, in particular on school services.
The guide looks to ways in which the technology can optimise fuel usage and provides tips on how operators can use tech to become more efficient. They include using software to optimise vehicle allocation, using data to amalgamate journeys, and maximising vehicle capacity. Unnecessary engine idling has been highlighted as one of the worst ways in which fuel is wasted.
It comes after the two companies partnered on their Bus Open Data Package.
Says ShuttleID Director Chris Bell: "Data is such a powerful tool for transport operators. Our experience is that when operators can see data that was previously hidden or difficult to access, they are informed to make better decisions and forecasts, which helps protect their margins."
Jon Pope, Pinpointers Sales Director, adds: "If you already have a tracking system, or are now considering getting one, one of the most important questions you should be asking right now is whether it is 100% accurate in reporting unnecessary engine idling, which continues to be the highest cause of wasted fuel across the industry.
"Pinpointers has implemented a two stage test to ensure you are correctly informed about actual engine idling, and when coupled with driver behaviour data gives you the best chance to reduce fuel usage."
NotLost wins TfL contract to replace Europe’s largest lost property system
Transport for London (TfL) has awarded NotLost, lost and found software, with the contract to replace and streamline its lost property system.
TfL wanted a new system that would make logging and finding lost property more efficient, reduce paperwork and increase the number of items returned to their customers, says NotLost.
Alex Horne, Co-Founder and Executive Chair of NotLost, adds: “We are delighted to be selected by TfL as their chosen partner on this exciting project.
“This is a challenging and complex task, but we are confident that we can deliver a system that will provide a step change in the experience for staff and customers alike.”
Paul Cowan, Performance Manager at TfL, says: “We are excited to upgrade our lost property system so that our staff can deliver a better experience to those customers who unfortunately lose their belongings on our network.
“We look forward to working with NotLost in delivering a system that modernises our approach to lost property, ensuring more customers get back their valued possessions.”
TfL handles more than 330,000 items of lost property a year across eight modes of transport and more than 400 stations (including bus, Tube, London Overground, TfL Rail and DLR), as the largest lost property operation in Europe.
Young Bus Managers Network April conference line-up named
Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Carla Stockton-Jones will be keynote speaker at the next Young Bus Managers Network conference, which is to be held in Cardiff on 6-7 April.
Ms Stockton-Jones will look at the bus industry’s present and future in her address on 7 April, while the previous day’s after dinner speaker will be James Price, Transport for Wales (TfW) Chief Executive. He will deliver insight into the opportunities and challenges that are ahead for the industry in Wales. Prior to that, Cardiff Bus will host delegates for the afternoon.
Following Ms Stockton-Jones’ address, there will be two presentations from Young Bus Managers Network members, something that Co-Patron James Freeman says “are always highly prized by delegates.” Participants will learn about TfW’s experiences with its Fflecsi demand responsive transport product, while after that there wil be a group work session modelled loosely on the Dragons’ Den concept.
The latter will see a team of senior industry figures listen to presentations from participants who have been working on the road to net zero in the bus industry. Among the panel will be Andrew Sherrington of TfW; Bev Fowles, MD of South Wales Tranport and Vice-Chair of Coach and Bus Association Cymru; Transdev Blazefield CEO Alex Hornby; and Go North East MD Martijn Gilbert.
Wrapping up the conference will be a 30-minute session from Ray Stenning of Best Impressions.
The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre. Fuller details can be found on the Young Bus Managers Network website, while a 10% discount on delegate fees applies to early bookings.