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Bus depots – gateway to automation
Volvo Bus Telematics to reduce costs
Per-Martin Johansson
The Volvo Bus telematic system is a tool that can simply reduce costs for bus and coach operators. In principle, all you have to do is log on to a website to gain access to the information that potentially leads to a more efficient operation.
The Volvo Bus telematic system has existed for nearly 20 years. Over the years, it has been continuously developed based on the company's collective information on the needs that exist in the bus industry.
The next step is now being taken, which involves making the system simpler for customers to use, while also becoming more sophisticated and with the potential to contribute to the efficiency enhancement of customer operations.
The basis of the Volvo Bus telematic system is that buses are equipped to enable remote communication with traffic control centers and operators' control centers and workshops. It features equipment including a computer unit, a GPS transmitter and a mobile telephone.
The system can be installed in buses when they are manufactured but can also be installed afterwards in all modern buses. The system is not tied to Volvo buses. Customers with buses from other manufacturers in their fleets are able to install the system in all of their buses.
Part of the simplicity of the system is that all information from the buses is available on any computer that is connected to the Internet. All you have to do is type in a password and everything you need to know is available in clear reports.
The Volvo Bus telematic system comprises three modules that can be purchased and used independently or jointly. Once one module is being used, it is simple to begin using the other two at a later date. All you need to do is to press a few keys.
Basically, telematic is about the need for rapid and current information and knowledge. The more information an operator possesses concerning the functioning of the vehicle and driving methods, the more the operator will be able to plan and develop the operation and find ways to enhance the efficiency of the operation.
Fuel costs are frequently one of the largest items for a bus operator. If there are ways to reduce fuel consumption by only a few percent, this would entail major savings. Having control over consumption and encouraging fuel-efficient driving immediately become profitable.
In the Volvo Bus telematic system, operators will receive reports with the precise information they want. This could be fuel consumption per bus and driver, the number of hours the bus has been in operation, the average speed, the number of times the
bus has stopped, load and much more. The reports are adapted to the needs of each customer.
Since the driver's driving mode has such a major impact on fuel consumption and comfort and safety of passengers, it is possible to receive specific reports about the drivers.
Information is available on how fast drivers accelerate, how hard they apply the brakes, how long the bus has been idle or whether the bus has been speeding. This information can be used during developmental career talks with individual drivers or as the basis for general driving training.
The service interval of a bus I set at a standard value. However, since buses are driven in various ways and under different conditions, the service intervals should be adapted accordingly. The Volvo Bus telematic system can also be used for this.
The telematic system keeps tabs on how buses are driven and registers the messages from the computer systems on modern buses. If this differs from the standard value, the service interval will be adapted to how the bus is used. This could involve longer or shorter service intervals but it is vital that it contributes to each bus being maintained optimally.
Since this information is sent remotely to workshops, it provides operators with the best potential to plan in advance when each bus should be taken in for service. The workshops will also be able to ensure, in ample time, that the spare parts needed are in stock.
One of the modules is used for positioning and traffic information. When problems arise in traffic and, for example, buses have to be redirected, the Volvo Bus telematic system is a key resource. The position of the bus is displayed in real time on a map via the Internet on the computer.
The module can also be used to provide passengers with real-time information about the expected arrival time at bus stops. This information can be displayed on LED boards at bus stops or via the Internet on computers and mobile phones.
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