In recent years, GPS trackers have become indispensable tools across various industries, including rentals, taxis, tradesmen such as electricians and plumbers, fleet managers, and business owners. These devices offer significant benefits in cost reduction and productivity enhancement.
However, the advantages of GPS tracking extend beyond these sectors. Many services can leverage GPS technology to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies.
One often overlooked vehicle category is the bus. Buses play a crucial role in transporting school children, university students, business professionals across cities, and travelers on ferries.
Once Upon a Time…
There was a time when GPS tracking devices were bulky, hardwired units requiring external antennas affixed to windshields. These devices often came with high monthly service fees, provided inaccurate location data, suffered from slow cold tracking start times, offered poor customer support, and generated reports with limited usefulness.
Fortunately, technology has advanced significantly since then. Modern GPS trackers are more compact, reliable, and feature-rich, offering real-time tracking, geofencing, driver behavior monitoring, and seamless integration with fleet management software. These advancements have made GPS tracking more accessible and beneficial for various applications.
Who Benefits?
Organisations and businesses that would benefit from installing a GPS tracker in their buses include, but are not limited to:
- Universities
- Schools
- Rental Services
- Government Agencies
- Private Operators
- Grey Nomads
Multiple Bus GPS Tracker Solutions
Regardless of the type of bus you operate, there is a GPS tracking solution that fits your needs. Common options include:
- OBD Plug-and-Play Devices
- Magnetic Mount Units
- Battery-Powered Trackers
- Hardwired Systems
School Bus GPS Tracking
Following the tragic school bus accident in Chattanooga, USA that resulted in the loss of five children’s lives, many parents have been questioning why more school buses aren’t equipped with standard safety items such as tracking devices.
This is a valid concern, especially considering the affordability and availability of GPS technology today.
Installing trackers in school buses could potentially save lives by providing real-time data and enhancing safety measures.
Had a GPS tracking device been installed in that bus, it might have prevented the tragedy.
School Benefits
Schools stand to gain from installing a GPS tracking device in their buses in several ways:
- Reassuring concerned parents: If a bus is delayed returning from a school camp, parents can track its location in real-time.
- Tracking mileage for tax purposes and maintenance scheduling.
- Ensuring buses are used exclusively for school-related activities.
- Monitoring driver behavior to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
Government Bus GPS Tracking
As of 2015, the NSW government has installed over 2,800 GPS trackers on buses within Newcastle and Sydney.
This initiative aims to enhance the monitoring of bus drivers and provide the public with real-time information on bus locations.
Bus location data is also transmitted to ‘smart bus stops’ equipped with digital signage, displaying real-time arrival information. This system improves customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
