Transit Employee Appreciation Day: Employee Thank You

Your transit company employees work hard every day to bring great customer service to your riders.  Your drivers keep your riders safe and happy.  Your janitors and maintenance workers don’t get any credit in the public eye for their unseen work making the company run smoothly.  Your office workers keep systems in place that make the whole company function.

Employee Appreciation Day is March 4, so we have rounded up some ideas to recognize the amazing work your employees do.

Transit Employee Appreciation Day: Employee Thank You

Employee Recognition

18 Creative Employee Recognition Idea (from TinyPulse)

From simple handwritten thank you notes to singing your employees praises on social media, sometimes just saying “thank you” is enough.  This list also has ideas for prizes, hack days, and surprise treats.

Themed Events

10 Theme Ideas for Employee Appreciation Day (from Baudville)

Here’s a list of 10 themes, like Office Olympics, Rock on! (, and Smells Like Team Spirit, to create a fun office party.

Gift Ideas

Here are some gift ideas for:

Bus Drivers (from Cafepress)

Bus Drivers (from Etsy)

Train Drivers (from Cafepress)

Train Drivers (from Etsy)

Ideas for the Whole Year

Don’t let your employees feel like Employee Appreciation Day is an obligatory yearly hassle for you.  Let your employees know you appreciate them all year long.

1. Have an office party for each employee’s birthday or, in a larger company, a party once a month celebrating all of the birthdays that month.

2.  Put up a poster that shows exactly how employee contributions are making the company better.  It can be a chart showing each person’s place in the system and regular updates on company profits, days without an accident, decreasing customer service complaints and increasing compliments.  Add the thank you notes from the charity to which your company donated and pictures of the summer employee BBQ.  Make it a one stop shop for everyone to see that their contributions matter in the larger picture.

3. Keep a jar in a central location where employees can drop each other thank you notes.  Read these notes out loud in meetings or post them (with permission) on social media along with a picture of the employees.

We’d love to hear what you are doing this year to say “thank you” to your employees!  Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ and share your stories and pictures.

Transit News Round Up (Feb 16, 2016) – Latest Industry Updates

Transit News by AddTransit

Every day we find transit news that is relevant and useful to you. But if you missed these daily posts on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and Linkedin, you can find them all here in one place each week!

Here’s what happened in the transit world last week:

SHUTTLE BUSES AND SCHOOL BUSES

WA to Trial Driver-less Shuttle Bus in Australian First

The shuttle bus has multi sensor technology, can transport up to 15 passengers, and has an average speed of 25 kilometres per hour.

Mayfield School in Whitehaven Celebrates a Double!  A National Award and a New Bus

They were recognized for helping the children, many of whom have difficulties walking, achieve movement independence.  They won a bus that will take them on field trips.

Texas District Tests School Bus Stop Arm Extension

The stop arm extension extends into the next lane of traffic, forcing drivers to stop to let kids cross the road.  They hope it will the stop arm running violations, of which there are thousands per day.

 New Bill Introduces Major Safety Upgrades for Charter Buses

Proposed upgrades include fire-resistant seats, automatic emergency lighting, and more.  Many charter bus owners fear that the cost of the upgrades would put them out of business.

Transit News Round Up: Latest Industry Updates

TRAINS

V/Line Delays: Acting Rail Cheif Rejects Any Conflict of Interest Over Bus Company Selected to Replace Trains

The V/Line is having issues with its network, and in the meantime the Bendigo Coachlines has replaced the train service.  There is a questions of a conflict of interest because the bus company is run by the husband of the the rail company chair.  V/Line maintains that the decision was made with appropriate measures in place to avoid a conflict of interest.

PUBLIC TRANSIT

California DOT Admits that More Roads Mean More Traffic

Building more roads and roads with more lanes just means more cars.  Public transit actually reduces traffic.

Obama ‘Releases Clean Transportation System’ Plan

A proposal for a $10 per barrel fee to be paid by oil companies, which would raise the funds for new investments in public transit.

How Will We Travel in the Cities of Tomorrow?

Keys to urban mobility include addressing safety, the environment, and economic opportunities.

Like Millennials, More Older Americans Steering Away from Driving

Only 69% of 19 year olds have a driver’s license and many are putting off getting one because they prefer public transit.  Similarly, older Americans are declining to renew their licenses once they expire in areas where public transit is cheap and reliable.

 Here Map Expands Public Transit Data Across the Globe

Here Map provides transit data to over 1,000 cities worldwide.   Transit companies need to have their schedules online in order to take advantage of getting their information to their customers with apps like this.

THE FUTURE OF TRANSIT

Elon Musk Hints that his Next Project Could be an Electric Plane

The engineer who brought us the concept of the hyperloop is considering designing and vertical take off and landing electric plane.

Hyperloop Transit System Could Be Hurtling Toward Australia

“‘We’re trying to build the first full-scale Hyperloop in a country with a high-enough density of population, long distances and local infrastructure,’ says Mr Gresta.”

VALENTINE’S DAY

Transit Love Stories: Meeting Cupid on the Bus or Train

Read stories of people meeting their true love on the bus and train platform proposals.

The Love Bus

Another sweet story of finding love on the bus.

Valentine’s Day Romance on Buses and Trains

And our own roundup of stories: from engagement rings in a breath mint box to a woman who feel for a charming smile on a bus stop poster.

School Bus Conferences and Conventions in 2016

 We’ve rounded up School Bus Conferences, Expos and Tradeshows for all of 2016!  Make sure to register early so you don’t miss out on the great information and networking opportunities.

School Bus Conferences and Conventions in 2016

FEBRUARY

 

What: School Transportation Assn. Of Mass. 23rd Annual Strategic Planning, Winter Conference

When: February 14-17, 2016

Where: Las Croabas, Puerto Rico

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: New York Assn. For Pupil Transportation, Winter Workshop

When: February 18-19, 2016

Where: Albany, New York, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information

 

What: Texas Assn. Of School Bus Technicians, Mid-Winter Conference

When: February 20-21, 2016

Where: Dickinson, Texas, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Innovative Transportation Solutions

When: February 26, 2016

Where: Houston, Texas, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

MARCH

What: Louisiana Assn. Of School Transportation Officials, Annual Conference

When: March 2-4, 2016

Where: Lafayette, Louisiana, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: WASBO Transportation & Bus Safety Conference

When: March 9, 2016

Where: TBA

Visit the Wisconsin Association of School Bus Officials website for more information.

 

What: School Transportation Supervisors of New Jersey

When: March 10-11, 2016

Where: Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Transporting Students With Disabilities & Preschoolers

When: March 11-16, 2016

Where: Galt House Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Visit the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Preschoolers website for more information.

 

What: National Special Needs Team, Safety Roadeo

When: March 12, 2016

Where: Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Ohio Assn. For Pupil Transportation, Annual Conference and Tradeshow

When: March 13-16, 2016

Where: Dublin, Ohio, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Alberta Student Transportation Advisory Council, 2016 Convention

When: March 15-18, 2016

Where: Red Deer, Alberta, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: School Transport Safety Conference

When: March 16-18, 2016

Where: Lydiard, Swindon, United Kingdom

Visit the School Transport Safety Conference website for more information.

 

What: Massachusetts Assn. For Pupil Transportation, Annual Conference

When: March 16, 2016

Where: Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: CASTO State Conference

When: March 19-21, 2016

Where: San Diego, California, United States

Visit the California Association of School Transportation Officials website for more information.

 

What: California Assn. Of School Transportation Officials, Annual Conference

When: March 19-21, 2016

Where: San Diego, California, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for information.

 

What: Colorado State Pupil Transportation Assn., Special Education and Legislative Conference

When: March 20-24, 2016

Where: Thornton, Colorado, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for information.

 

What: Utah Pupil Transportation Assn., Annual Conference

When: March 21-23, 2016

Where: St. George, Utah, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for information.

 

 

APRIL

What: National School Boards Assn. Annual Conference

When: April 9-11, 2016

Where: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for information.

 

What: School Bus Fleet/ National Association for Pupil Transportation, School Bus Exchange

When: April 11-13, 2016

Where: Denver, Colorado, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Ontario School Bus Association, Ontario Transportation Expo and Trade Show

When: April 25-27, 2016

Where: Toronto, Canada

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Saskatchewan Assn. of School Business Officials, Spring Workshop

When: April 27-29, 2016

Where: Columbus, Ohio, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

MAY

What: Nova Scotia Transportation Advisory Committee, Pupil Transportation Conference

When: May 1-3, 2016

Where: Membertou, Nova Scotia, Canada

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Thomas Built Buses, Institute Service Training East

When: May 17-20, 2016

Where: Greensboro, North Carolina, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

JUNE

What: Nebraska School Transportation Assn. Spring Conference

When: June 3, 2016

Where: Kearney, Nebraska, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Oklahoma Association for Pupil Transportation, Annual Conference and Trade Show

When: June 4-7, 2016

Where: Norman, Oklahoma, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Tennessee Assn. Of Pupil Transportation, Conference and Trade Show

When: June 6-8, 2016

Where: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Minnesota School Bus Operators Assn. Summer Conference

When: June 12-14, 2016

Where: Cohasset, Minnesota, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Wyoming Pupil Transportation Assn. Mechanics Conference and Drivers Conference

When: June 13-16, 2016

Where: Casper, Wyoming, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Arkansas School Bus Mechanics Assn. Annual Workshop

When: June 13-16, 2016

Where: TBD

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Illinois Assn. For Pupil Transportation, Conference and Trade Show

When: June 14-15, 2016

Where: East Peoria, Illinois, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Utah Pupil Transportation Assn. Technicians Conference and Vendor Show

When: June 14-16, 2016

Where: Park City, Utah, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Montana Assn. For Pupil Transportation/ Montana School Bus Contractors Assn., Annual Conference

When: June 15-17, 2016

Where: Great Falls, Montana, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Tennessee Assn. Of Pupil Transportation, School Bus Technicians Workshop

When: June 17, 2016

Where: Buchanan, Tennessee, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Virginia Assn. For Pupil Transportation Annual Conference

When: June 19-23, 2016

Where: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Kentucky Assn. For Pupil Transportation Summer Conference

When: June 20-22, 2016

Where: Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: School Transportation Assn. of Indiana, 2016 Conference

When: June 20-22, 2016

Where: Florence, Indiana, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Wisconsin School Bus Assn. Annual Convention and Trade Show

When: June 20-22, 2016

Where: Middleton, Wisconsin, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Transportation Administrators of Arizona, Annual Conference

When: June 20-23, 2016

Where: Flagstaff, Arizona, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Georgia Assn. For Pupil Transportation, 52nd Annual Conference and Trade Show

When: June 20-23, 2016

Where: Jeykll Island, Georgia, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Colorado Dept. of Education/ Colorado State Pupil Transportation Assn., Conference and Vendor Show and Workshop

When: June 20-24, 2016

Where: Thornton, Colorado, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: North Carolina Pupil Assn. Transposium

When: June 20-24, 2016

Where: Ashville, North Carolina, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Michigan Assn. For Pupil Transportation, Annual Conference

When: June 21-23, 2016

Where: Belaire, Michigan, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Oregon Pupil Transportation Assn. Summer Conference

When: June 21-24, 2016

Where: Bend, Oregon, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Texas Assn. Of School Bus Technicians Annual Conference and Trade Show Annual Meeting

When: June 24-29, 2016

Where: Beaumont, Texas, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

JULY

What: National School Transportation Association, Annual Meeting and Convention

When: July 16-20, 2016

Where: Greensboro, North Carolina, United States

Visit the National School Transportation Association website for more information.

 

What: TAPT Conference and Trade Show

When: TBA

Where: Beaumont, Texas, United States

Visit the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation website for more information.

 

What: TAPT Conference and Trade Show

When: TBA

Where: Beaumont, Texas, United States

Visit the Texas Association for Public Transportation website for more information.


Did we miss any?  Let us know and we’ll add it!

Transit News Round Up (Feb 9, 2016) Latest Industry Updates

Transit News by AddTransit

Every day we find transit news that is relevant and useful to you. But if you missed these daily posts on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and Linkedin, you can find them all here in one place each week!

Here’s what happened in the transit world last week:

BUSES

Library in Bus Opens at Knowle West School

When this small school didn’t have enough dedicated library space in its building, they turned a red double decker bus into a library. that even has wifi.   They kids sure seem to love it!

First Driver-less Shuttle Bus Hits Public Roads

The WePods driverless bus had a test run on public roads last week.  It goes a maximum speed of 25 kilometres and will soon have cameras, lasers, GPS and radar.

This Story of a Bus Driver’s Act of Kindness is Cheering up Ireland

A bus driver’s simple act of tying an elderly woman’s shoelace has inspired many people to be more kind.   William Harris of Bus Éireann in Cork, Ireland also inspired people to share stories of other bus driver who had done kind deeds.   We want to hear lots more of these stories for Transit Driver Appreciation Day on March 18th.  Check back here for the chance to nominate your bus driver for a prize.

Rockville Takes a Fresh Look at Bus Transit

While this is specific to the city of Rockville, it does bring up some areas that are challenges for many bus companies.  How smaller companies can compliment, rather than compete, with the larger routes.  making long-range plans, the cost of tunnels, and securing funding.

Transit News Round Up: Latest Industry Updates

TRAINS

Communters Praise ‘Best Ever’ Train Driver Who Conducts Morning Quiz Over the Tannoy

This train driver makes the morning commute fun for his riders by telling jokes and asking quiz questions over the PA system of the train.  Passengers tweet the answers to the quiz questions with the hashtag #timetunneltrain.

Record Budget for Israel Railways

Israel now has a budget of 2.3 billion shekels to improve electrification, provide new signalling, and increase the number of passenger trains in the country.

Royal Mail’s Secret Underground Railway to Open to the British Public

The railway use d to transport 4 million parcels a day.  Now it is being reopened as a heritage site by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

PUBLIC TRANSIT

Hyperloop: MIT Students Win Contest to Design Elon Musk’s 700mph Travel Pods

The Hyperloop is a ground transport concept that will connect people from one major city to another.  MIT and other top ranking teams will build their pods and test them at the first Hyperloop test track.

5 Ideas we Need to Steal from Mega cities that Have Great Subways

From rethinking traffic design to better technology to more sustainability, some cities are doing a great job with public transit.

World Economic Forum’s 10 Commandments to Deal with the Urban Mobility Challenge

Changing demographics and social preferences are changing the needs of urban mobility.  Communication, leveraging existing infrastructure, mobility grids and more ideas to help “people meet their needs in the most efficient and effective ways possible.”

I Love Transit: An Interview with Brent Toderian

Brent Toderian is the city of Vancouver’s former Chief City Planner and urbanism consultant around the world.   In this interview, he talks about why he loves transit, his earliest memories of transit, and his excitement about how transit fits into a multimodal city.

OTHER

11 Emerging Technologies That Could Have Major Impacts on Transportation

Among the technologies are the hyperloop and materials science in infrastructure.  Amazing ideas that could transform how we travel!

Let us know what you think about any of these stories!

Railway Conferences & Conventions in 2016

We’ve rounded up Railway Conferences for all of 2016!  Make sure to register early so you don’t miss out on all the great information and networking opportunities.

Railway Conferences & Conventions in 2016

FEBRUARY

What: Light Rail 2016

When: February 24-25

Where: Pullman Melbourne on the Park, Melbourne, Australia

Visit the Light Rail 2016 website for more information.

 

What: 4th Railway Forum Berlin

When: February 29 to March 1, 2016

Where: Estrel Congress and Messe Center, Berlin, Germany

Visit the 4th Railway Forum website for more information.

 

MARCH

What: ERTMS and TCS 2016: The Future of Railway Signalling in the UK

When: March 22-23, 2016

Where: Stephenson Harwood, London, UK

Visit the Waterfront Conference Company for more information.

 

APRIL

What: Expo Ferraviaria 2016

When: April 5-7

Where: LinGotto Fiere, Turin, Italy

Visit the Expo Ferraviaria website for more information.

 

What: Infarail

When: April 12-14

Where: Excel, London, UK

Visit the Infarail website for more information.

 

What: Joint Rail Conference

When: April 12-15

Where: Columbia Marriott, Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Visit the American Society of Mechanical Engineers website for more information.

 

What: International Rail Safety Seminar and Expo

When: April 18-19

Where: Orlando, Florida, United States

Visit the Rail Safety Seminar and Expo website for more information.

 

What: Smart Rail Europe

When: April 19-20

Where: Passenger Terminal, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Visit the Smart Rail Europe website for more information.

 

MAY

What: Rail Safety Summit

When: May 5, 2016

Where: Royal College of Physicians, Regent’s Park, London, UK

Visit the Rail Summits website for more information.

 

What: CORE 2016

When: May 16-18

Where: Melbourne, Australia

Visit the Core2016 website for more information.

 

What: Rail Power 2016

When: May 26-27

Where: Business Design Centre, London, UK

Visit the Rail Power website for more information.

 

What: World Metro Rail Congress

When: May 26-27

Where:  Business Design Centre, London, UK

Visit the World Metro Rail Congress website for more information.

 

JUNE

What: International Rail Rodeo

When: June 15-19, 2016

Where: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Visit the American Public Transportation Association website for more information.

#APTArail16

 

What: Rail Conference

When: June 19-22, 2016

Where: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Visit the American Public Transportation Association website for more information.

#APTArail16

 

What: APTA Rail Conference

When: June 19-27, 2016

Where: Sheraton Grand, Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Visit the American Public Transportation Association website for more information.

 

AUGUST

What: AREMA Conference

When: August 28-31

Where: Hilton, Orlando, Florida, United States

Visit the American Railway Engineering and Maintenence of way Association website for more information.

 

Did we miss one?  Let us know and we’ll add it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day Romance on Buses and Trains

Valentine’s Day is a great day to express your love for your loved ones, and we think the best expressions are often on transit!  Here are some sweet past expressions of love that took place on buses and trains that will inspire you this year.

Valentine's Day Romance on Public Transit 2016

Vancouver Bus Stop Poster Starts Married Couple on Journey to Beautiful Love

This couple met when Elsa saw John’s smiling face on a United Gospel Mission poster at the bus stop and it prompted her to volunteer.   While she was volunteering, she got to meet John in person, and that was the beginning of their romance.  It just goes to show that you never know who you might meet at the bus stop…. even if it’s just their picture.

 

South Station Romance Stories

Nick proposed to Dinah at the bus station with an engagement ring in a breath mint box.  He says he “needed a moment that would have some romance to it when she absolutely would not see it coming, and that is where South Station fit perfectly.”

 

Bus Stop Romance

Last year, Steve and Roberta shared that they were celebrating their 20th anniversary after meeting on the bus and spending much time together during subsequent rides.   Read more stories about love on the bus!

 

Get Inspired This Valentine’s Day

Watch this sweet video of Adam proposing to Lucy on the train, after hiring the Adam Street Singers to sing Lovely Day to her.

 

Do you have a story of romance on transit to share?  We’d love to hear it!  You can post it in the comments on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ or email us at emstrength@addtransit.com and we’ll blog your story.

 

 

 

 

Sell Shuttle Bus Tickets Online: Bus Reservation System

AddTransit makes it easy to sell shuttle bus tickets online.

Sell shuttle bus tickets online

All you need to do is signup, and then enter your schedule, route, fares and payment information.

We’ll then give you a small snippet of code to add to your website.  Once you’ve added the code and it is live, you are done!

Passengers can purchase tickets via your website, or via our apps.  Alternatively, we can provide you with an app that has your own branding.

Our online ticketing  system allows you to monitor past sales and future reservations 24×7.

And as passengers board you can verify they hold a valid ticket.

Join now and sell shuttle bus tickets online today!

Transit News Round Up (Feb 1, 2016) – Latest Industry Updates

Transit News by AddTransit

 

Every day we find transit news that is relevant and useful to you.   If you missed these posts on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and Linkedin, you can find them all here in one place each week.

 

Cheap Gas Doesn’t Stop Cities from Embracing Big Ticket Transit Projects

Gas prices in the US have been steadily declining, but that’s not stopping cities from embracing public transit projects.  Voters approved 71% of transit related ballot initiatives in 2015.

 

New Mode Choice Model Helps Officials Make Stronger Case for Transit Improvements

This new research model takes into account many more of the factors that determine whether or not a person decides to take public transit, including cost, total time of travel, number of transfers, different transit schedules on different days, if a household has a car and if that car is being used by another household member, and so on.

Transit News Round Up: Latest Industry Updates

Our main focus last week was rounding up transit related conferences that will be held throughout 2016.

Bus and Charter Bus Conferences in 2016

Our roundup of bus and charter bus conferences includes conferences in the United States, Australia, Poland, and the United Kingdom ranging from local bus association marketplaces to international expos.

 

Public Transit Conferences in 2016

Our roundup of public transit conferences includes 11 conferences hosted by the American Public Transportation Association held in locations across the US, as well as conferences from the European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association and IT Tech.  Topics include the legal aspects of running public transit, marketing, risk management, sustainability and more.

 

Let us know what you think, and share some news with us too!

Your Customers Expect Real Time Status Updates

Real Time Status Updates….

Customers expect Real Time Status updates

You know others are doing it.

But yes…. you’ve been putting it off.

You are fearful.  There’s a cost. People, systems and reputation.   So it’s been left to another day, another month, another year…

So what to do???  Let’s review each of these fears and see if we can turn these fears into an opportunity.

Your passengers/customers

Your customers and passengers are now expecting real time status updates.  They are tracking their parcels in real time across the globe.  They know if their Amazon book has left the warehouse, if their E-bay dress is in transit or if their pizza is just about to be delivered.  Their use of paper based maps for driving is now a increasingly historical novelty and GPS enabled smartphones is commonplace.  A decade ago it was normal not to know when things would arrive.  But now, not providing that information is seen as poor customer service.

Your team

Your team are already providing realtime status updates.  They do it by phone in the call center, at customer service centers, at stops/stations/ports and on vehicle.  However, this is a drain on your resources.  Imagine if customers/passengers could self-serve and obtain this information themselves.  This would free up your team.  They could focus on sales, upsell, and safety and instead of many team members providing best-effort updates, real time status updates allow you to ensure the right person provides the right information in the most efficient and cost effective way.

Realtime Status Systems and Software

In the past realtime status systems and software meant a massive cost investment.  Electronic signage was installed at key stops. Televisions and automated voice announcements were programmed.  Networking all these together was horrendously complicated.  And then if you wanted on vehicle realtime status systems you had to install triggers to let the vehicles know which stops had been passed and communications throughout the vehicles so all passengers could view the updates.

Luckily this huge cost outlay is no longer required.  With commuters now carrying smartphones, AddTransit can help you publish realtime status updates online.  This is a great opportunity as commuters care more about their journey, than the vehicles journey. Online realtime status updates are like Pizza delivery tracking.  You want to know how long it is until the pizza arrives at your house.  You don’t want to know all houses that the driver will delivering pizza to.  Online realtime status updates allow passengers to focus on just the information that is important to them, without being bombarded by updates that are irrelevant to their journey.  Real time status updates gives you the opportunity to provide passengers a personalized customer experience.

Your reputation

The other fear is the reputation.  The concern is that if your vehicles are late, you’ll be publishing this information for all to see.  This actually is a false fear.  Knowing that the vehicle is late allows passenger confidence in the system to rise, as now you have provided them with additional information giving them the opportunity to adjust their schedules.   Of course you’ll be looking for ways to improve on the service and minimise future delays, but in the meantime the real time status maps and apps will take the brunt of passengers displeasure with late services, and provide passengers reassurance for all the services that run perfectly.

The real time status updates opportunity

So the fears are false.  The opportunity is there.  The question now is poor customer service acceptable?  Or is it time to start real time status updates?

Find out more at https://addtransit.com/real-time-status.php

Or Join today and we’ll get you started.

Have a great day!

Cheap Vehicle Tracking Software using GTFS-Realtime

If you are looking for cheap vehicle tracking software, AddTransit is the right place.  Our smartphones apps allow you to track your vehicles and see their current position on a map.

Cheap Vehicle Tracking Software using GTFS-Realtime

So how does it work?

It is very simple, you just signup to AddTransit and then add each vehicle’s details.  You also add the users that will be allowed log into the system.

Then each of your users download the AddTransit app onto their GPS enabled smartphone.

Before they start to drive, they log into the app and select their current vehicle and their route or service. They press START and off they go.  The app keeps sending their location until they tell the app to stop.  Your smartphone is acting as a Vehicle Positioning System, but without the huge cost that is normally associated with such systems. Wow!

The vehicle location can then easily be seen in head office. If you enable GTFS Real-time (a standard that is for reporting realtime locations of vehicles), you can also make your vehicle locations available for your customers to see on internet mapping software such as Google, Bing or Yahoo Maps and journey planning apps.

No longer do you need to contact staff to find out where they are up to.  Your staff can concentrate on the safe travel of their passengers and giving these people a great customer experience.  Your passengers are even more excited as now they can know when their vehicle is approaching or is delayed and can plan accordingly.

Easy!

Have a great day.