Managing a fleet of buses has become increasingly complex for businesses and their managers.
Rising fuel prices, inadequate data, driver behavior management, lack of vehicle tracking, and budget constraints are just some of the challenges they face. Fortunately, there is a solution: bus fleet management software.
This advanced software can help small and medium-sized businesses improve their operations and streamline school bus fleet management.
Find out how you can benefit from this technology, discover the role of AI, and learn the key factors to consider when selecting the right system for your business.
What is Bus Fleet Management and Who Uses it?
Bus fleet management software is designed to help fleet managers take control of their vehicles, track their movements, maintenance schedules, and driver behavior. It can also provide alerts and reports to help managers identify any issues or inefficiencies within their fleet, as well as suggest ways to address these problems.
Image: Bus at stoplight in snow
The typical users of bus fleet management software are city supervisors and other transportation managers who are responsible for managing a large number of vehicles and ensuring that they run efficiently and safely. In addition, bus drivers use these systems to improve their driving performance and gain visibility on the road.
The Role of AI in Bus Fleet Management Software
Bus fleet management is no longer limited to tracking vehicles’ locations and recording the incidents that happen during the journeys via dash cams.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is able to analyze even more data from telematics devices inside and around the vehicle, which results in accurate predictions that can inform driver behavior.
For instance, a dash cam installed outside the bus can see an upcoming blind spot and inform the driver of the recommended behavior to avoid any accidents. This protects the children or commuters riding the bus, assuring their safety in any journey.
Image: Driver•i dash cam detecting cars at intersection
AI also gathers and analyzes data such as the buses’ locations, driver behavior, and speed. Based on these parameters, fleet managers can assess the best routes, budget more wisely, and mentor drivers on specific behaviors.
Understanding How Bus Fleet Management Software Works
Fleet management software gathers data and analyzes the information through edge computing. This allows for large amounts of data to be organized quickly for fleet managers to use. Through machine learning the dash cam system is able to learn from past alerts and behaviors (like coming to a controlled stop at a stop light) to accurately identify good and risky driving behaviors.
The technology also sends alerts in case buses go out of their planned routes, which may mean stealing. This prevents theft and assures protection of your assets.
Key Benefits of Bus Fleet Management Software
Bus fleet management software offers a range of benefits, with two key advantages standing out: economic and safety-related benefits. By leveraging the wealth of information, usage, and analysis provided by this software, bus operators can make smarter decisions and drive both efficiency and cost savings.
On the economic front, bus fleet management software allows operators to gain valuable insights into fuel consumption, driver routes, and maintenance schedules. Armed with this knowledge, operators can plan more efficient journeys and devise strategies to save on fuel costs, even in the face of price hikes. This helps optimize resources and maximize economic returns.
Safety is also a top priority, especially when it comes to the well-being of passengers. Bus fleet management software plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and improving driver behavior. By continuously analyzing data, this software ensures that safety is prioritized during every journey.
“Our drivers feel a lot more comfortable having that camera showing the aisle, showing who’s approaching him, not because it helps him at the moment but he can come back to that and see what occurred and it can help protect them. If he has an upset guest yelling at him, he’ll press the record button just so he can have that occurring and kept in the cloud.”
- Greg Hendricks, Vice President of Compliance & Operations, Salt Lake Express
Consider the Following When Choosing a Bus Fleet Management Software
Now that the benefits of a bus fleet management system is clear, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Use the checklist below for factors to consider in your final decision.
- Ease of use – Is the technology intuitive? Would it be easy to onboard your managers and drivers alike?
- Cost – Does it fit the budget allotted for fleet management?
- Functionality – Does the software provide the features you’re looking for or will help in improving the fleet?
- Support – How accessible is the customer service of the fleet management software company?
- Integration with fleet, existing systems, and processes – Can you easily integrate the software system with your existing fleet, current technologies, and operations?
- Data security and privacy – Check for assurances that your data is in a secure place and protected.
- Fleet size limit restrictions or limitations – Can you keep integrating the technology into your fleet or is it limited to a specific number of vehicles? Review the limitations to see what works for your fleet’s long-term plans.
- Compliance requirements – Fleet technology is helpful in fulfilling compliance requirements, so study how the features can ease this up in terms of reviewing data like hours of service, driver fitness, vehicle maintenance, and driver safety behaviors.
Implementation and Use of Bus Fleet Management Software
- When choosing a bus fleet management software, consider factors like the software’s features and capabilities as well as its ease of use and compatibility with your existing systems.
- Setting up accounts and permissions allows you to control access to sensitive information and ensure that only authorized personnel can access and modify data.
- Creating routes and schedules enables you to optimize route planning, increase efficiency, and minimize delays and disruptions.
- Creating itineraries and stops allows you to provide passengers with a clear and comprehensive overview of their journey, including stops, timing, and estimated arrival times.
- Traffic rules and policies ensure that all drivers and passengers comply with safety regulations and reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Tracking vehicles, passengers, and movements allows you to monitor the location and status of your fleet in real-time, providing you with greater visibility and control over your operations.
- Using tools to analyze performance enables you to identify areas for improvement, optimize resource allocation, and enhance overall performance.
- Integrating systems across departments allows you to streamline operations, reduce duplication, and ensure that all stakeholders have access to accurate and up-to-date information.
Why Choose Netradyne’s Driver•i Bus Fleet Management Software Solution?
Driver•i offers all the features you need from a bus fleet management software. First, it employs predictive technology based on a complete picture from 100 percent drive time. Four dash cams installed around the vehicle provide a 360-degree view that reduces blind spots.
The gathered information from the cameras inform drivers of any potential accidents or alert them to potential risky driving behaviors. This allows for proactive action to be taken against risky driving behavior.
Image: GreenZone Score on Driver•i mobile app
Our fleet management software is fully automated, eliminating the need for manual recordings or paper records. All the vital information that managers and drivers require can be easily accessed from a single source. This includes real-time GPS vehicle location tracking.
Because all the information is so accessible and organized, even remote driver coaching can be done anywhere. This means drivers and managers are able to schedule coaching sessions even in the middle of journeys, like during the driver’s breaks. Location is not an issue as both parties can access the videos and discuss what needs to be improved.
Final Thoughts
Finding solutions to address the fuel price hikes, inadequate data and driver behavior management, reduced budgets or inadequate vehicle tracking can require significant time and effort. The answer comes in the form of bus fleet management software which is especially optimized for these areas so businesses and its managers can offer better services while making savings on operational costs.
Ready to enhance your bus fleet safety and reduce risks? Explore the Driver•i AI Fleet Camera System and book a demo today to experience its advanced features and benefits. Book a demo today!
