Public Transit Systems Implement GPS Technology

By Greg Bartlett

Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling of knowing you’ve got an appointment to keep and you’ve missed your ride? People who rely on public transport options such as buses have experienced that feeling all too often due to buses not keeping reliable schedules. One day the bus might arrive (and leave) ten minutes early, while the next day it keeps you waiting five to ten minutes longer than expected. Either way, the unpredictable schedule could make you late for work or cause you to miss an important meeting altogether. As cities try to tackle the growing problem, some are turning to GPS vehicle tracking for help.

GPS & Public Transportation

GPS vehicle tracking allows managers to monitor the movement of fleet vehicles such as city buses from a remote location. A transmitter placed on the vehicle sends signals to a computer, reporting such information as location, speed, duration of stops, and fuel usage. The information gathered enables stricter monitoring of schedules for each individual driver and encourages more precise timing for stops. It also allows location information to be tracked on a website so that transit riders can check to see where the bus is before they head for the bus stop. Sometimes a traffic jam or an accident makes a late stop unavoidable, but with GPS vehicle tracking, passengers will know to plan for the change and can avoid standing in the rain or cold weather while waiting for the bus.

Cities such as Asheville, NC are considering implementing the GPS vehicle tracking technology to improve the overall image of the bus system as well as to better serve their passengers. As more businesses and individuals desire to “go green,” more people may begin taking advantage of public transportation to reduce emissions, a decision which makes reliability an even greater responsibility for city bus systems. People shouldn’t have to make the choice between kindness to the environment and reliable transportation. With the help of GPS vehicle tracking, cities can serve their citizens by giving them the opportunity to take advantage of a reliable transit system that reduces the number of cars on the road.

We’ve all experienced the frustration of being stuck in a traffic jam when you’ve got an appointment to keep. Next time you find yourself stopped in traffic on the way to work, consider whether it might be worth the reduced hassle and reduced emissions to get up a few minutes earlier and catch the bus.

Tags: business, efficiency, GPS Vehicle Tracking, safety, security, technology