Smart technology solutions provider NEC Australia has partnered with location data and technology platform HERE Technologies to bring bus drivers and operators an innovative solution to navigational challenges – a Turn By Turn Bus Navigation System.
Addressing both common and complex navigational challenges, the new system empowers bus operators and drivers to deliver safer, more reliable bus journeys for commuters.
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The navigation solution significantly reduces driver training time, streamlines onboarding, and improves both driver retention and operational safety.
Specifically designed to meet the specific requirements of bus operators, the purpose-built system takes into account bus dimensions like length and height, allowing operators to input and update routes in real time. This ensures adaptability to changes in road rules, routes, and restrictions, minimising wrong turns and route deviations.
“Australia’s diverse and complex road networks require precise and adaptable navigation solutions,” HERE Technologies head of partner and alliances Sachin Thukral says.
“By working closely with NEC Australia on the Turn By Turn Bus Navigation System, we’re bringing HERE’s expertise in location technology to the forefront, enabling bus operators to navigate these complexities with greater confidence and accuracy.”
Currently, the Turn By Turn Navigation system is being rolled out in over 1,000 buses across Australia and New Zealand.
“This collaboration is more than just about improving routes – it’s about enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of public transport across Australia, ensuring that both drivers and passengers experience smoother and more reliable journeys every day.”
NEC head of smart transport ANZ Mark Messenger says the system is providing a solution to problems operators and drivers have dealt with for decades.
“Bus operators often grapple with driver shortages, drivers needing to memorise complex routes, and costly errors occurring when drivers accidentally take unknown routes and find themselves in situations where vehicles are unable to safely navigate those routes,” Messenger says.
“These issues can significantly jeopardise safety, on-time performance and customer satisfaction.
“The Turn By Turn system directly addresses these challenges by providing enhanced driver support, improving on-time performance, reducing operational errors, and providing safer, more efficient services to customers.
“This innovation not only makes journeys safer and more efficient for drivers, but also delivers better outcomes for transport authorities and operators, and ultimately, commuters.”
Key Benefits of the solution:
- Customised Navigation: The system offers fixed or portable navigation devices tailored to the unique dimensions of buses, ensuring drivers avoid routes unsuitable for large vehicles. It dynamically plots and sends safe routes, detours and diversions to drivers, providingquick updates that minimise wrong turns and route deviations.
- Improved Driver Support: The system identifies and integrates critical data, such as on-time points and thresholds, restricted roads, and speed restricted areas (e.g. school zones). Thissignificantly reduces driver training time, helps attract top-tier drivers and improves driver retention, ultimately reducing service cancellations and operational failures.
- Boosted Operational Efficiency: By monitoring bus speeds and delays with alerts, the Turn By Turn system keeps buses on schedule, ensuring timely arrivals and departures. This focus on punctuality enhances customer satisfaction and reduces complaints.
- Enablement for Emergency Services: Beyond public transit, this technology is also critical for emergency services, providing real-time information that helps emergency vehicles reach their destinations more quickly and efficiently, improving response times and safety in critical situations.