Business Challenge
Anglian Bus and Coach identified a clear business objective to uplift performance while reducing the impact of its operations upon the environment, both of which were to be realised whilst satisfying the company's top priority, running vehicles to the scheduled time. In addition to investing heavily in new, state-of-the-art vehicles, the firm decided to investigate the potential efficiency gains which could be achieved through the use of telematics systems.
How MiX Telematics helped
Following a review of a number of telematics products, Anglian Bus and Coach opted for the MiX Telematics Fleet Manager solution, deciding it to be the system which most closely met the key requirement of delivering intelligence which would enable the company to get the best from its drivers and vehicles.
Fleet Manager was fitted to 25 buses in the Anglian Bus and Coach fleet, covering a span of vehicle types from mid-weight Optare Solos and Tempos to Scania Omni single- and double-deck heavy buses.
"As a progressive company, we look to continuously improve every aspect of our performance, hence our decision to fit the system to a range of buses," comments Anglian Bus and Coach Director, Andrew Pursey. "The results were instant; monitoring our vehicles and drivers enabled us to immediately identify areas where improvements could be made. We initially used the data to establish which of our drivers required additional training and subsequently used Fleet Manager to measure their performance gains.
"This in turn led us to introduce a competitive element, whereby the powerful reporting and scoring reports are shared with our drivers.
"The results have been so pronounced that we have now incorporated the system and the data it delivers within the SAFED (Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving) training we provide as the first module of our in-house Driver CPC course. This involves using MiX Telematics-equipped vehicles to evaluate driver performance around a route before and after training, which clearly demonstrates the improvements which can be achieved. In this way, all our drivers are now benefiting from Fleet Manager.
"Furthermore, the tracking capabilities of the system have proved invaluable for us when monitoring live and historic vehicle position, particularly when we had a lot of snow. The tracking of buses also enables us to ascertain and evaluate the facts when complaints are made and defend our drivers appropriately."
A further use for Fleet Manager is that the system is now being used by Anglian Bus and Coach to evaluate timetabling efficiency. The company has determined that by allowing a little extra time on the schedules, drivers are able to drive more efficiently, thereby saving fuel.
Results Obtained
- Overall fuel efficiency increased by more than ten percent
- Reduction in carbon footprint accordingly
- SAFED training using Fleet Manager has seen fuel usage improvements of up to 25%
- Timetable evaluations have demonstrated that extending the operating schedule by three minutes can result in a fuel efficiency gain of eight percent
- Wear and tear down across fleet – notably in terms of reduced brake wear and increased air-bag longevity
- Reduction in accidents/vehicle incidents
- Enhanced customer comfort and satisfaction
Notable project features
The MiX Telematics Fleet Manager solution is used by Anglian Bus and Coach in three key ways:
- Driver and vehicle performance evaluation
- Integral part of on-going driver training programme to ensure highest standards of driving and driver performance are achieved and maintained at all times
- Timetable evaluation and rescheduling for maximum efficiency in operation
About MiX Telematics Fleet Manager solutions
Every MiX Telematics Fleet Manager solution combines leading-edge fleet management technology with clear and simple reporting. Located at the heart of the system is FM Communicator, MiX Telematics' on-board data computer which can be set to gather a range of information relating to driver and vehicle performance.
By capturing and comparing the driving styles of staff, the system can be used in conjunction with an appropriate driver training programme to bring about dramatic reductions in fuel consumption. Typically, the information Fleet Manager provides can be used to derive fuel savings of approximately ten percent.
Having visibility of every driver's performance also enables operators to address issues such as over-revving and harsh acceleration and braking, all of which can lead to higher accident rates, increased wear and tear and maintenance costs.
For the fleet manager, information is delivered direct to the desktop via FM Web, MiX Telematics' secure internet-based reporting suite. Available 24/7, FM Web can be customised to automatically generate individually-tailored reports at a time of the operator's choosing.
And to help drivers out on the road, the optional MiX Telematics RIBAS display delivers instant feedback by providing an on-board visual indicator as to driving style. Whenever one of RIBAS' parameters is exceeded, a light is illuminated to inform the driver:
R over Revving
I excessive Idling
B harsh Braking
A harsh Acceleration
S over Speeding
In addition, Fleet Manager can be used in conjunction with a PDA to manage a range of tasks including daily safety checks and delivery/collection confirmation in real time. When linked into existing office software, Fleet Manager provides a direct channel of communication between vehicles and the traffic office, thereby providing a valuable and powerful business tool.
Every Fleet Manager solution comes with the full backing and support of MiX Telematics. From setup and integration into existing operations, through to providing advice on introducing the system to drivers and interpreting the results, MiX Telematics' consultants work closely with operators to help maximise the return on investment in the shortest possible time frame.
