Innovations: Summer 2018

Supporting Euro Bus Expo 2018 technology exhibitors

Inside...

Issue 40 Summer 2018

Card is king

For the first time, debit card payments have overtaken cash as the most popular form of payment in the UK. There will never be a more valid reason for operators to look at investing in ticketing software that enables cards and contactless payments.

Unfortunately, if a cashonly operation is desired – or there is just no interest in the technological advances – an operator is going to get left behind in a world which is so focused on improving convenience. And new figures show, it’s what people want.

More people are less inclined to carry cash now, therefore giving passengers the option to pay for their bus fare using card. This will no doubt encourage more people to hop on a bus; it’s much easier than finding change.

It has been reported that almost 1,500 cash machines on the Link network shut down between November 2017 and April 2018, partly because the increase in contactless payments for small transactions is making cash less necessary.

Will the UK’s bus industry follow in the footsteps of Sweden, a country which has not simply accepted the plastic way of life, but fully welcomed it with open arms by banning notes and coins on its buses altogether?

London made its buses cashfree in 2014, how long until the rest of country follows suit?

It’s evident that there is no stopping the evolution of technology, it’s only going to get stronger and smarter – it’s time to utilise it, because ultimately, it will only make operations stronger and smarter.

Michaela Peacock Innovations Editor 2 innovations // XXX

Ensure voltage stability and reliability onboard your vehicles Specialising in providing solutions for voltage critical equipment in the coach and bus sector, Alfatronix understands vehicle electronics and is proud to be celebrating the success of both the stabilised dc-dc voltage converters for providing a clean 12vdc /24vdc voltage where required and the dual output converters which provides a permanent output, and one switchable feed via the ignition for maintaining radio memory and permitting correct shutdown of the DVR for CCTV. The sensitivities of modern electronic equipment to variable input voltages, susceptibility to EMC interference and, in some cases, the need to isolate the supply has made voltage stabilisation an important section of its product range.

Start/stop technology has added to this problem, and Alfatronix is seeing more

demand for its wide range of 12-12vdc and 24-24vdc isolated products that ensure a stable and reliable voltage onboard the vehicle.

Some automotive equipment, such as radio communications usually has two links to the vehicle’s electrical system, one for memory back-up and one for switching the equipment on/off.

In addition, the DVR for CCTV in some cases requires an additional input to permit correct shutdown when the vehicle ignition is switched off.

The dual output converter is used by Sure Transport for this application.

The on/off function is controlled from the ignition switch so that when the ignition key is removed, the equipment is turned off, preventing the battery from becoming discharged while leaving the memory back-up

circuit still active. Both products are currently installed across vehicle fleets throughout the UK and Europe where they are working behind the scenes to provide this all important power conversion for every day equipment. n alfatronix.com

Passenger car park buses at Gatwick Airport are now benefitting from dynamic scheduling as a result of a 21st Century designed Connected Bus project for Omniserv.

The Connected Bus system has been designed to provide accurate information to passengers as well as service performance data to Omniserv in order to maximise operational efficiencies.

The 14 vehicles, a mix of new and retrofitted Mercedes Citaros, are all fitted with an

Meet DVSA ER requirements with new tracker software Freeway Fleet Systems is making it easier for coach and bus operators to meet DVSA Earned Recognition (ER) requirements with its new software that automatically alerts fleet managers to any outstanding compliance issues.

Freeway’s ‘easy-to-use’ software keeps check on maintenance records, displaying colour coded alarm status if compliance data is missing.

The software automatically generates lists showing all items that need to be addressed in order to meet the five Earned Recognition Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

“The Earned Recognition KPI report is only required one month retrospectively, but it’s important all the work has been done and recorded properly in the first place”

says Patrick Tandy, Managing Director of Freeway.

“Freeway keeps users up to date with the summary live status of their performance per KPI through a simple list showing all the items that need to be addressed, what specifically is missing, and also what needs to be done in order to solve the problem.

“Our users want to be pro-active in meeting their maintenance obligations. Freeway’s immediate exception reports makes this easy with instant alerts as soon as anything is amiss. With Freeway managers don’t need to second-guess their Earned Recognition compliance.”

“Our aim is to make the whole process of Earned Recognition as easy as possible so it just becomes a seamless part of the maintenance programme.”

Android driver’s screen which allows the driver to input the car park zones they will be attending.

This is then transmitted offvehicle to allow the car-park’s real time information system to generate predictions on when the vehicle will be departing each stop on its route via the new displays installed throughout the car parks.

Should a driver not be visiting any particular zone in the car park, the displays alert users to the zone closure.

Innovations // Industry News

‘Dynamic scheduling’ for Gatwick’s buses...

21st Century designed and installed the complete solution, which includes high-definition, live view IP CCTV cameras, Automatic Passenger Counting, on-board infotainment (including next stop announcement) and passenger wi-fi on vehicles servicing staff routes.

The stops at Gatwick have been fitted with 28in real-time information screens.

Real-time information totems are due to be installed. n 21stplc.com

Mobile Onboard launch new ticket validator Mobile Onboard has launched its new handheld ticket validator: mTicketr HT9000.

The mTicketr HT9000 features a large responsive touchscreen that shares a new user interface with its sibling, the mTicketr ETM. The handheld validator is designed for operators who want to quickly validate mobile tickets with QR codes, either as passengers board or for on-the-spot ticket checks.

Ideal where revenue protection is a priority, the handheld also features a passenger count that automatically updates each time a valid ticket is scanned.

Constant connectivity via bus wi-fi gives it access to the latest ticket data.

Mobile Onboard’s Corbin Adler says: “We have delivered a handheld ticket validator that has improved features and capabilities for operators while being reliable, robust and low-cost.” n mobileonboard.com Innovations // Summer 2018 3

Innovations // Industry News

TfL trials automatic passenger counting Transport for London (TfL) has begun a three-month trial to find the best way to automatically count passengers on buses.

The trial will assess which techniques capture passenger numbers in real time with the most accuracy.

The aim is to help TfL improve its services and provide better real-time travel information, all while being cheaper and more reliable than current manual counts.

The trial will run on seven buses and will look at the

following automatic counting techniques: n Cameras aimed across the bus floor observing the footsteps of passengers getting on and off the bus n Real-time analysis of existing safety camera footage n Sensors over each door of the bus n Analysis of the changes to the buses weight and air pressure n Use of depersonalised wi-fi connection data.

TfL says all data collected will be automatically anonymised

at the point of collection and no individuals will be identified.

Buses trialling the CCTV, sensors or wi-fi techniques will display posters to ensure passengers are aware of the trial.

Simon Reed, Head of Surface Technology and Data at TfL, says: “Technology is transforming our lives and creating huge potential to improve how we use and operate public transport.

This short trial is an exciting opportunity to make it easier for everyone to use buses in London.

Tachomaster has a busy 2018 After achieving the 100 millionth tacho download last year, Tachomaster, from Road Tech, has become a validated system provider for the DVSA Earned Recognition scheme.

Sister product PreDrive integration has been stepped up with infringements created for drivers when they fail to do a walk round check, do the check in less time than required, or fail to be in work mode when completing the check.

4 Innovations // Summer 2018

Simple integration for powerful management, and it costs only £1 per driver, per week, with no joining fee.

Road Tech offer other software products that can be integrated with Tachomaster, including: n Falcon Tracking n Roadrunner n PreDrive n Checkmaster. n roadtech.co.uk

“We use a range of methods, such as ticketing data and manual paper surveys, to understand how customers travel across London, but we cannot measure in real time the number of people on a given bus.

“We hope this trial will show us the best way to identify realtime bus usage, which in turn could help us plan our network better, run it more effectively and greatly enhance live customer information.” n tfl.gov.uk

Innovations // Industry News

Timespace’s new GDPR-compliant security features New CCTV software features from Timespace Technology will help coach and bus operators meet their obligations under the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The GDPR requires operators to ensure access to personal data, including CCTV images, is controlled.

Timespace’s digital video recorders (DVRs) and proprietary software now have a range of built-in security features to prevent unauthorised access to CCTV footage, and to help maintain the privacy of individuals.

Features include: n File password protection and encryption n File export and download password protection

n Object/face-blurring tool n Lockable hard drives on DVRs n Image watermarks.

Available now, the new features are incorporated into Timespace’s DVR software, PCLink video viewing software and LANLink fleet management software, and will help users develop their own procedures to meet the enhanced data protection laws.

Henry Heylen, Timespace’s Commercial Director, says: “Control of personal data must be a high priority for the coach and bus industry, and Timespace is pleased to have developed the new security features to provide operators with options for creating GDPRcompliant procedures.” n tspace.co.uk

Speedy payments with TicketPOS system At the show, BNE Electronics will be showcasing its latest TicketPOS system which runs on Android terminals with integrated printers.

The system now supports integrated electronic funds transfer (EFT) and BNE Electronics says the new Smart Pass system takes payment in around one second – speeding up boarding times greatly.

Other applications include its bus asset management system, AssetIT and its mobile EPOS system, HandiPOS. BNE Electronics will be demonstrating other applications on Android smart phones, terminals and tablets and the range of CASIO range of handheld terminals on stand B9.

Features of TicketPOS include: n Bus ticketing n Ability to verify and accept online tickets n Multi-currency support; facility to sell products, such 6 Innovations // Summer 2018

Monitor ticketing data with TransMach Systems as maps or other products n Optional live online ticket information with detailed analysis of ticket sales, terminal route, date range and ticket type, and full graphical analysis of sales data n Automated updating of stops along a route when using a GPS enabled terminal, provided the terminal can receive GPS data from enough satellites n Full revenue reporting including cash variances. n knockbracken.com/ bneelectronics

TransMach Systems, a leading ticketing solution provider for coach and bus operators, has launched Android TM 920 allin-one payment and ticketing terminal.

It features: GPS tracking, 4G-data transfer, a camera for incident reporting, QR code scanning for validating web and mobile tickets and integrated printer for issuing cash tickets.

The device takes contactless and card payments, reducing

cash handling and boarding times.

With the TM 920 machines, coach and bus operators can monitor ticketing data in real time from anywhere in the world. Open Tour Paris has recently gone live with TM 920 device for issuing tour tickets in Paris. The project was delivered on time with short time scales and the go live was successfully completed. n transmach.co.uk

MiX Telematics will be displaying and demonstrating a wide range of telematicsbased safety, security and operational efficiency-related solutions on its stand at Euro Bus Expo 2018.

The company’s products and services are predominately based around its proven Fleet Manager platform, as well as coach and bus industry-specific applications involving the integration of third-party products.

“As a leading global supplier to the industry, MiX Telematics has gained extensive experience in optimising PCV operations around the world,” says Jonathan Bates, Marketing Director for MiX Telematics (Europe).

“Our products deliver a broad spectrum of benefits

ranging from fuel savings and operational efficiency gains, to improved safety, security and compliance.

“Furthermore, the solutions we provide are tailored by our specialist in-house consultancy team to meet specific operational needs.

“Euro Bus Expo provides us with an ideal opportunity to showcase our solutions to the UK coach and bus industry, and I would invite attendees to the show to visit our stand to discover more about the savings and benefits our solutions deliver.”

The MiX Telematics solutions on show will include: n MiX Fleet Manager: The company’s core telematics service n MiX Vision: A forward- and driver-facing camera system,

which is linked to Fleet Manager and provides a video record in the event of an incident n MiX DriveMate: An in-vehicle display unit which is designed to help improve performance by providing drivers with at-a-glance driving style information, as well as providing driver identification n MiX 3D: A remote digital tachograph data download service which automatically retrieves driver and vehicle data in accordance with EU legislation, thereby ensuring legal compliance.

Alongside these, coach and bus-specific third party integrations including Alcolock, Mobileye, and Fleet Manager will also be on display. n mixtelematics.co.uk

Understand your operation with ViriCiti EV fleet solutions ViriCiti displays your planning and charging infrastructure in one platform together with your fleets; this can include diesel, CNG, and hybrid buses.

Data is available in real-time and simultaneously stored for reporting purposes. Energy consumption, battery health and SOC, driver performance and smart charging are all incorporated in intuitive online dashboards that make up the ViriCiti platform. Using this info, accessible by desktop or mobile, your operation can be continuously improved by managing drivers or chargers more efficiently.

Through ITCS integration with ViriCiti, your planning is continually monitored. Realtime vehicle and charger data and planning information are combined to

provide instant feedback on any disruptions in your operation.

ViriCiti sends out automatic alerts to prevent operational errors such as unplugged chargers and deviations in energy usage from its planning.

This way, you can use one platform for handling all the route-information of your entire (mixed) fleet and status of all your vehicles and track driver behaviour.

Want to increase uptime and reliability while lowering costs?

ViriCiti will be at stand B11 at Euro Bus Expo.

Innovations // Summer 2018 7

Innovations // Industry News

See the full MiX range on show at Euro Bus Expo

Ticketer processes first dual-currency contactless payment Bringing the bus and coach industry together Venue: Hall 5, NEC, Birmingham Opening hours: 30 October: 0930-1700hrs 31 October: 0930-1700hrs 1 November: 0930-1600hrs Open to trade visitors and press only Contact: Martin Laverton Group Sales Manager t: 01733 405735 e: mlaverton@divcom.co.uk www.eurobusxpo.com

Michaela Peacock Innovations Editor t: 01733 889682 e: mpeacock@divcom.co.uk Daniel Lunn Sales Manager t: 01733 405734 e: dlunn@divcom.co.uk Steven Black Business Development Manager t: 01733 405731 e: sblack@divcom.co.uk Jade Gray Sales Executive t: 01733 405740 e: jgray@divcom.co.uk Hayley Marrison Sales Executive t: 01733 405733 e: hmarrison@divcom.co.uk Phil Robinson Graphic Designer

Diversified Communications UK Ltd, Unit 4, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6FT www.divcom.co.uk © Diversified Communications UK Ltd 2018

Ticketer has processed its first ever contactless euro and sterling transaction for First Aircoach in Dublin.

The new multi-currency electronic ticket machines (ETMs) were installed for the two million passengers travelling between Dublin city, Belfast and Dublin Airport each year.

Four of the services are based in the Republic of Ireland and only use euros, but one crosses the border between Belfast city centre and Dublin Airport, so Ticketer tailored the solution for the ETMs to accept payments in both euros and sterling.

The ETMs accept all types of payments, with contactless flexibility offered through the payment service provider Littlepay.

First Aircoach is the first customer that Ticketer has enabled euro payments for, and the ETMs will switch between currencies as required, showing the ticket

price in both.

John Clarfelt, Ticketer MD, says: “Things have certainly moved on since we developed our first web-based solution eight years ago.

“We are consistently evolving and developing new, tailored solutions for our customers. It’s down

to the innovative work that our deeply passionate and committed team continues to develop that we are able to deliver more and more benefits for our customers and of course for their passengers.” n ticketer.co.uk

Contactless payments: ‘Great progress for passengers and operators’ Go Ahead Group-owned The Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel have reported strong growth in the number of passengers paying via contactless, since its introduction 12 months ago.

More than 1.4m transactions were made by passengers using the payment method.

Managing Director Phil Southall hailed the technology as “great progress” for passengers and operators.

He says: “Passengers have embraced contactless payments and the number of people moving to contactless payments has grown steadily

during the past year.

We fully expect to see this trend continue to grow as more people become comfortable with the system.

“Contactless is a convenient way for passengers to pay and we are now looking to phase in ‘daily capping’ as the first of a number of developments, which will improve our service further and help make our city smarter.”

Both operators will introduce the next stage of its contactless technology this year by adding ‘intelligent fare calculation’, which will work out the best deal for passengers.