How Does Real Time Bus Tracking Work?
A “real-time” bus tracking system may monitor the movement of buses on a map by combining contemporary, GPS-enabled software systems with hardware such as a tracking device put within buses as well as applications loaded on the phones of users (e.g. drivers). Fleet managers get real-time data such as the bus’s speed, mileage traveled, the remaining distance to destination, number of scheduled stops, and so on. This enables them to take remedial action in the event of any deviations or delays.
The school-bus section is an important aspect of bus-tracking since it is extremely advantageous for parents and school officials to be able to monitor their children’s safe journey.
What is a real time bus tracking system?
A “real-time bus tracking system,” as the name implies, records the movement and positions of buses going along various routes at various times and transmits live data to a central control centre in “real-time.” This allows Fleet Managers at a central location to keep track of the buses’ progress, such as whether they are following pre-determined routes, staying on schedule, following safety protocol while driving, and making the required number of stops (etc.).
Unfortunately, circumstances such as unanticipated traffic jams and severe weather often force deviations from the intended routes and deadlines, causing delays and requiring buses to be rerouted. When such deviations occur — for example, when a bus deviates from the given path, violates its geofencing parameters, or takes longer
School bus tracking: Naturally, such a system is most useful in tracking school buses since it allows parents and school officials to keep track of their children’s travels. They can see if the bus has left or arrived at the school and when it will come if their child has boarded and alighted on time (etc.). This aids both parents and school personnel in planning their schedules in order to ensure the safe transportation of their children on a regular basis.
How does real-time bus tracking work?
From the centralised control centre (where the Fleet Managers or school authorities are located) to the bus itself (through an embedded/installed tracking device), as well as the driver, such a system is linked across its many users (stakeholders) (via an App on his phone). Furthermore, the buses can be equipped with a scanner (a hardware device) that can scan (e.g. via QR codes, RFID tags) persons boarding and alighting the bus, such as employees, pupils, and school personnel, and record the appropriate information as needed.
What are its benefits?
This real-time tracking technology, as well as the transparency — or visibility — it gives Fleet Managers, aids them in controlling all of the buses in their network in a variety of ways.
Fleet managers may utilize autonomous route-optimization strategies to cut the distances their fleets travel, lowering fuel consumption, and operating costs, saving time, and managing maintenance schedules without disrupting everyday operations (which, in turn, reduces downtime and breakdown costs)
Bus drivers might be notified of impending issues such as traffic congestion or impending bad weather. Breaching speed restrictions, choosing the incorrect route, hard-cornering, rapid braking, and bad driving behaviors such as sudden acceleration or deceleration can all be cited (and drivers can be coached to improve). Such best practices help to keep a good safety record, save lives in society by reducing accidents, and, eventually, lower insurance costs for businesses.
Most significantly, it gives parents of school-aged children peace of mind in knowing where their children are.
Bus-tracking Apps: how do they work?
When downloaded into the phones of the users (stekholders_ of the overall system, a bus-tracking app is part of the full system of real-time bus management and serves as a handy access point. Bus drivers, employees, schoolchildren, and their parents are among them.
To begin, a bus-tracking software employs cutting-edge GPS technology (Global Positioning System). This type of equipment functions as a receiver, receiving radio signals transmitted by satellites all around the world. Complex algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning technologies are utilized to figure out the recipient’s actual location on the planet using the signals received (from four or more satellites).
Within a bus, GPS devices are mounted, and these devices communicate their whereabouts on a map in real time. This data may be used to compute details like ETA (expected-time-of-arrival). When a user inputs his destination, he may view information such as route possibilities, the distance traveled by bus, and the speed at which it is traveling (etc.)
Using bus-tracking Apps to track school-buses
School buses, as you might expect, transport children on a regular basis and are an essential element of bus travel — particularly for young children who require guidance. As a result, the advantages of utilising such applications to monitor school buses are enormous, and they are a godsend to both parents and school staff/authorities who can follow bus movements in real time.
As previously stated, the buses are equipped with GPS devices that are linked to the school’s computer systems. Parents may track the movement on their mobile phones and other hand-held devices such as tablets, while school officials can track it from their control-room displays.
The bus-tracking software shows parents and authorities a map of the bus’s current location, including where it is now, how fast it is traveling, and how long it will be before it arrives at its stop (etc.)
If there are any unanticipated deviations or delays, these methods make it easy for the driver to communicate directly with the school administration and the children’s parents. The app also provides details on the reasons for such delays.
While boarding and alighting from the bus, students utilize “RFID tags.”
Thus, through the use of modern-GPS technology, a live-bus tracking app has made the process of kids’ school pickups and drops off a much safer practice.
Conclusion: As seen above, a live bus-tracking system is a great tool to use. Be sure to select a reputed school bus tracker to help implement it and improve the efficiency of managing your bus operations.
