Supporting Coach & Bus UK 2017 In partnership with technology exhibitors

Inside... Issue 38 Autumn 2017 In partnership with Innovations // Innovations It’s good to be open Reading’s workshop

goes ‘Freeway’ mobile News Industry

Reading Buses has improved functions, including routine completion first time, but its vehicle maintenance maintenance, inspections, better quality data.” operations with a mobile defects, stock control and Reading Buses plans to roll system to replace job cards order management. out Freeway apps to replace and inspection reports in the “It wasn’t until we started paperwork throughout the workshop. using Freeway’s mobile apps maintenance operation, with Using Samsung tablets that we realised how much staff using tablets to record connected to a Freeway they would help,” says Phil scheduled maintenance, fleet maintenance system, Herlingshaw, Engineering inspections, defects and mobile apps allow Reading’s Manager at Reading Buses. cleaning. Technology continues to move technicians to replace “Previously, we often Because the mobile apps are at an almost incredible pace. paperwork with easy-to-use struggled to read everyone’s seamlessly integrated with the Vamooz, the crowd-sourcing electronic forms. handwriting, and when things central Freeway system, the day trip app from The system saves time, were missing – such as a tyre tablets can provide access to Blazefield as mentioned in improves accuracy and tread depth – we’d have to all information relating to a the last issue of Innovations, completeness of reporting, track back and get the job vehicle. is now also being used by boosts efficiency, and completed. For any job card, the Reading Buses – and who’s to simplifies fleet management. “With the app, reports maintenance history can be say it will stop there? Reading Buses already cannot be sent without all instantly viewed. But while big exciting, relies on Freeway’s software fields being completed first. colourful projects like that will to automate a full range And without transcription n Stand B11 continue to grab headlines, of maintenance-related issues, we have not only 100% n freewayfleet.com more subtle technologies can change all our lives in a big way, and it’s important to be aware of them. ‘Big data’ and ‘open data’ are common enough terms Alfatronix Safe and these days, even if they’re Face-blurring CCTV tool not commonly understood. secure key The former usually refers to gives saves operators time and cost extremely large data sets, management which can be analysed to National Timespace Technology has “Enabling operators/CCTV use in investigations and reveal patterns and trends; developed a built-in blurring managers to carry out in- claims.” the latter to data that can Express tool to enable operators to house object blurring will PCLink is compatible with be shared across many carry out in-house face/object save time when responding Timespace’s entire range developers for them to create blurring on CCTV footage, to footage requests. Fleet of Digital Video Recorders apps and other software. the avoiding the need to use third- managers will be able to retain (DVRs), and the blurring tool is An example is the Traveline party specialists. complete control of sensitive supported for the X200, X300, National Data Set – all the power The new blurring tool is footage, and will eliminate V400 and V500 DVRs. data from bus operators’ included in the free upgrade of the additional cost of using registered bus services, used British power supply PCLink version 8.0, Timespace specialists when producing n Stand H41 by a vast number of passenger manufacturer Alfatronix and Technology’s software for high-quality final images for n tspace.co.uk apps you can download for National Express have worked vehicle CCTV footage bus services around the together for over 15 years to playback and review. CCKeys believes in quality, country. provide power for equipment Face/object blurring not quantity, and that’s why, Without that data being on board the 600-strong fleet is often required it says, it has been producing freely available to developers, of coaches. when operators are one of the most advanced the passenger information In a new initiative, the two responding to footage safe and secure key and asset ‘scene’ would be all the organisations have joined requests from police, management solutions on the poorer. forces to provide a voltage and using third- market since 1983. Just think of London, where conversion to take the 24vdc parties to carry out The solution incorporates dozens of very good bus from the vehicle electrical the blurring can add several access levels, through travel apps, with route and system to provide the 9vdc time and cost. The combination lock, PIN, timetable information, are power for the new part- new tool allows users swipe card, biometrics and available to the public. contactless payment system. to blur single or breathalyser. The best way to keep In addition, the coach multiple objects on Employing the latest up to date with changing operator has installed a low- on the move. Alfatronix manufactures USB an image or section developments in technology, technology is to see it in voltage disconnect device To give customers a greater chargers, voltage converters, of footage. the systems are completely action, talk to the developers manufactured by Alfatronix travelling experience, National power supplies, battery Users can also bespoke and manufactured and listen to the experts. to protect the vehicle battery Express is now in the process chargers, solid state battery choose the type of to the client’s needs and Coach & Bus UK is open when downloading data for the of trialling the Alfatronix USB guards and more for the UK blurring and the specifications. They are user- to you: Just go online and new Vuer infotainment system chargers at both Stanstead transport sector. It prides itself characteristics of the friendly and have a complete register. at various garages. and Heathrow airports, to offer on its flexible working. final image. Peter audit trail. This permits passengers passengers 5vdc on-board Barker, Timespace’s Jessamy Chapman to view films and TV, read charging for all iPhones and n Stand A20 Technical Support n Stand D31 Innovations Editor magazines, and use wi-fi while tablets. n alfatronix.com Manager, says: n cckeys.co.uk

2 innovations // XXX Innovations // Autumn 2017 3 In partnership with Innovations // Innovations Parkeon helps operators transform New displays for customer relationships with technology Industry News Industry Industry News Chester interchange Over the next few years, will enable operators to connect personalised information to ticketing and smart device fare technology will transform with passengers as never people in real time which, when collection, while taking account 21st Century Technology has the relationship between bus before. coupled with customer-centric of existing standards such as designed and manufactured operators and their customers, Today, the most visible retail systems, will make multi- ITSO. display units for the new according to leading public expression of the digital era modal travel easier than ever This is particularly powerful Chester Bus Interchange, all transport systems provider is the increasing adoption before,” says Mr Trimnell. when coupled to Parkeon’s

Innovations // with new features to benefit Parkeon. of contactless EMV payment A key innovation for Parkeon new PrismAnalytics platform, passengers and the station The company is currently systems, as recently rolled out customers looking at the which enables operators to operator, Cheshire West and helping operators of every by Parkeon for Arriva Bus and concept of ‘mobility as a capture performance data Chester Council. size to embrace the digital for Lothian Buses Airlink Service service’ is CloudFare. from a myriad of sources in a The new features include a era, through retail systems, in Edinburgh, but there is much This is a cloud-based ‘visual’ presentation to spot fire alarm interface which links real-time information and data more to come. platform that enables operators trends, address issues and see with the fire safety system analytics. “Our future-proof of every size to move easily the potential for new revenue and automatically displays the However, according to Gavin technologies will help transport from cash and commercial streams. nearest exit routes when an Trimnell, Head of Sales & operators deliver the vision smart card transactions to EMV alarm is triggered. Marketing at Parkeon, this is of ‘frictionless’ travel for contactless, mobile payments, n Stand C4 The bay displays also just the start of a journey that their passengers, delivering m-ticketing, account-based n parkeon.co.uk include a stand charging module, which takes data from scheduled and real- time information and creates an automatic report for attendance charging for operators, saving hours of manual record-keeping and report production. All the displays are connected to 21st Century’s content management system, allowing Chester to design templates and control the layouts of the information displayed on the screens. 21st Century is supplying nine above-bay and four column-mounted rugged TFT displays, plus a summary rugged TFT display, all with RNIB REACT fob technology. The contract also includes an interactive touchscreen journey planner. All the displays have ambient light control sensors to adjust to different light Big data is coming: Add m-tickets to your conditions and a sleep feature to save power when not in use. Help for operators existing apps The displays also include pixel sensors that alert the Omnibus has developed tools Systems are in place to Masabi’s JustRide Software and deliver visual and barcode 21st Century service team if to help operators to manage allow operators to meet these Development Kit (JustRide tickets to a passenger through the display ever develops a data and use it to improve obligations, and current big SDK) has been deployed on bus the ticket wallet. fault, and a vandal sensor efficiencies and meet new datasets are already available. and tram travel in two French The SDK communicates with that “plays dead” and regulations. The Traveline National cities, Orleans and Montargis. Masabi servers to understand automatically sends out an With the terms ‘big data’ Data Set (TNDS), for example, The SDK has been used by complex fare tables and email alert if the units are and ‘open data’ becoming is available as open data and operator Keolis and its digital manages the ticket, its life- attacked. widely used in the transport supplies the core information subsidiary Kisio to create cycle and security. The 21st Century bay sector, many operators and for a large number of apps. its own Plan-Book-Ticket Operators using the SDK displays show which buses are local authorities (LAs) have Michael Meilton of Omnibus app, which incorporates new also have access to the due at the stand, with real- been lacking the ability to says: “Where many operators m-ticketing with its existing JustRide Hub, where they can time information. use all of the existing data and LAs struggle is in having travel information, booking access a wealth of back-office The large display screen available to them. tools to allow them to utilise and planning systems. data including real-time shows the next buses due One of the main aims of the data fully. JustRide SDK allows public sales, usage and validation at the interchange and the the Bus Services Act was the “At Omnibus we have transport operators to create information, reporting and an bay that they will arrive at, requirement for operators to developed a number of tools to fully-integrated, custom- extensive customer services plus connecting rail journey provide data on timetables, splice data to extract what it is branded ticketing and trip and asset management information. fares and real time as open the user really wants to see.” planning apps. interface. data, including a move to It allows them to create n Stand L50 electronic registration for bus n Stand C10 an integrated app to manage n Stand C33 n 21stplc.com services (EBSR). n omnibus.uk.com payment, request fare types n masabi.com

4 Innovations // Autumn 2017 Innovations // Autumn 2017 5 In partnership with Industry News Innovations //

ALCOLOCK UK launches L series

ALCOLOCK UK has launched companies, the L series has The ALCOLOCK L series UK’s General Manager, says: the ALCOLOCK L series, a the following built in: provides fleet administrators “These safeguards are put new product line of ignition n Dual sensing technology for the ability to monitor into place for the safety of interlocks. reliable, accurate results commercial vehicles. All everyone on and off the road. The L series are devices that n Anti-circumvention breath tests and violations are “Driving under the influence are hard-wired to the vehicle’s technology to ensure breath recorded, and the device can of alcohol affects us all on a starter and ignition system, samples come directly from a be integrated with existing global scale. preventing drivers from human subject telemetric systems. The ECU “We all have a loved one or starting their engine if they n Dual event logging in both options include GPS, wi-fi, a friend of a friend whose life are over the pre-determined the handset and the electronic GPRS and Bluetooth. has been changed because limit for breath alcohol control unit (ECU), enabling Operators can add AlcoFleet of it.” content. remote downloads while for customisable, real-time Designed for safety- protecting security to enhance reporting. n Stand N37 conscious commercial anti-circumvention measures. Richard Thomas, ALCOLOCK n alcolock.co.uk

Artificial intelligence is already here

Major bus groups and thousands of vehicles, the roll out its On-board Digital for any additional hardware. independent operators are technology was developed to Analytics Network (ODAN) Operators can then access using artificial intelligence provide accurate values of the across both UK road and rail ODAN data to see passenger (AI) to learn more about their passenger audience for digital fleets. flows by demography customers and how they use advertising. ODAN connects fleets and and identify operational transport. However, “increasingly aggregates their value to efficiencies. Data scientists at LetsJoin operators are using our attract high-value digital “ODAN is open to all have developed AI technology analytics insights for media campaigns to bus wi-fi transport operators who that collects data from operational and marketing networks. want to maximise the return customers’ mobile devices purposes,” says Sam Glover, These revenues are passed on investment of their wi-fi and uses algorithms to build CEO of LetsJoin. on to the operator to help infrastructure,” says Sam. passenger profiles and identify LetsJoin is working closely offset the cost of wi-fi. behavioural trends. with wi-fi hardware vendors The technology is deployed n Stand F25 Already deployed on and the mobile networks to remotely and without the need n about.letsjoin.com

6 Innovations // Autumn 2017 In partnership with Innovations // Innovations Thamesdown goes Industry News Industry Industry News contactless; more Go-Ahead will follow

Innovations // Thamesdown Transport Transport (pictured), says: is refreshing to finally work has introduced contactless “We are the first operator in with a ticketing supplier that technology, through the latest Swindon to offer this facility listens to customers and is electronic ticket machines – and it is all about providing flexible in its approach. from Ticketer. our customers with quicker “We have now decided to Passengers in Swindon are and more convenient ways to roll out Ticketer machines now able to pay for travel pay. across our entire wider fleet using Apple and Android “We chose Ticketer because over the next few months, and devices and Apple Watch, as of its innovative and cost- look forward to working in well as existing smart cards effective system. The software partnership with Ticketer.” and cash. and devices impressed us so John Clarfelt, Managing Go South Coast took the much that we have installed Director of Ticketer, says: reins at Thamesdown earlier them across our entire fleet “We are very proud to be this year and had been seeking here. supporting Thamesdown in new ways to enhance the “The team at Ticketer providing its customers with services it offers to those have been instrumental in the very latest in contactless living and working in the allowing us to implement our payment technology, as region. The introduction of the ‘contactless’ offering – and well as the option to pay by Ticketer system is expected it is proving tremendously cash and every method in to increase accessibility and popular among our between.” speed up overall journey customers.” times. Alex Chutter, General Ed Wills, Operations Director n Stand A30 Manager at Thamesdown for Go South Coast, adds: “It n ticketer.co.uk

BNE shows ticket US region launches validation system integrated e-fares At the show BNE Electronics features that make it less will be demonstrating its distracting to a bus driver Hop Fastpass is now in not just for our riders but for latest version of TicketPOS, in low lighting conditions, operation in the Portland- the efficiency of our revenue running on Android terminals and using GPS facilities, the Vancouver metropolitan area of operations, as well as those of with integrated printers system automates some the United States. our fellow transport providers and including EFT facilities processes are it approaches It’s an electronic fare in the greater Portland- using Handpoint and Sumup each bus stop to assist the collection system implemented Vancouver metro area. terminals. driver. by INIT, launched by the three “Our 15-year partnership TicketPOS can be used for main providers of public with INIT has been and bus, rail and tour operations, n Stand C35 transport – Portland Streetcar, continues to be one that car park entry or exit, and n bneelectronics.com Tri-County Metropolitan Transit fosters growth, technical open-air event ticketing. It Authority (TriMet), and Clark advancement, and effective includes the ability to validate County Public Transit Benefit process management.” tickets purchased on the Area Authority (C-TRAN). This system benefits the internet so that they cannot The fully-integrated e-fare operators by reducing boarding be used again. system allows passengers to times at stops, increasing In order to increase revenue pay for trips on the regional efficiency and on-time income, TicketPOS supports bus, light rail and commuter performance, and simplifying third-party advertising and rail systems. fare collections and reducing the QR codes can help drive It can be used on more than cash in the system. extra traffic to the user’s 700 buses and rail vehicles, and TriMet and C-TRAN already website, where customers at approximately 400 platform use INIT’s operations control can make additional validators. and real-time passenger purchases. It accepts regular information systems. Due to The system has full contactless fares on Hop cards, the ease of INIT’s modular revenue and ticket and also accepts contactless systems, the INIT e-fare module control, and all sales credit or debit card payments. was much easier and more are geo-tagged. It also TriMet General Manager Neil cost-effective to set up. supports payment using McFarlane says: “The benefits contactless pre-paid of the Hop system will be far- n Stand L4 cards. TicketPOS includes reaching, providing benefits n www.initse.com

8 Innovations // Autumn 2017 Innovations // Autumn 2017 9 In partnership with Innovations // Innovations Big names lined up Industry News Industry Industry News for Theatre ‘master class’ seminars

Innovations // High-profile speakers are the first day of the two-day And Estibalitz Aramburu, booked into The Theatre, Coach domestic coach and bus BDM for Jema Energy, will & Bus UK’s highly popular showcase. speak on the second day about seminar programme. Helen Scholes, Marketing integrating electric mobility in They include several coach Manager for cities. and bus operators sharing their West, will follow, talking about The Theatre will be experience of running vehicles how to effectively market a presented on both days by in an ever-changing landscape, business – followed by Steve Dave Guest, a familiar face to and knowledgeable suppliers Whiteway, former Epsom TV viewers in the north west of with valuable insight into Coaches MD, on the same topic. . He is Chief Reporter emerging vehicle technologies. Adrian de Courcey, CEO of on BBC Northwest Tonight, and Some of the big names in in , has also become a familiar The Theatre, sponsored by also speaks on the second day. face at coach and bus industry SmartDrive Systems, are still Other coach and bus operators events over the years, regularly under wraps, and exciting will be confirmed in the lead- hosting the annual ALBUM special events – new for 2017 – up to the show. conference and working with will be announced in the weeks Daniel Hayes, of the Low CBUK’s sister show, Euro Bus to come, as well as panel Carbon Vehicle Project, will Expo. discussions. speak about the hot topics of He says he is “looking The headline speaker is Giles low-carbon vehicles and air forward to chairing some lively Fearnley, Managing Director quality, touching on the Clean debates and discussions during of First UK Bus (pictured), Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation the sessions at this year’s who will speak at 1100hrs on Scheme and Clean Air Zones. Coach & Bus UK.”

New CMAC portal makes Synectics talks trends DKV provides host of life easier for operators to Singapore’s SOE helpful online services CCTV expert Synectics infrastructure projects in the DKV has developed several process master data online. It It’s been an exciting year for the invoice through receipt, these developments we hope has delivered a seminar region, including integrated different online services to also allows operators to order CMAC, the coach hire booking checking and processing and to put ourselves in a position to to Singapore’s Society of surveillance and security help coach and bus operators individual DKV products and specialist. finally see the exact payment live up to our goal of industry- Operations Engineers (SOE) solutions for a leading SE Asia to optimise fleet management services, plus add new users The company has celebrated date the invoice will clear. leading payment terms.” on key trends in transport airline and Jakarta’s Soekarno- across Europe. and check and control purchase its 10-year anniversary, begun a CMAC says: “We’ve always surveillance technology Hatta International Airport. restrictions. programme of integrating prided ourselves on our n Stand M52 – focusing on converged This comprehensive DKV Maps its systems with suppliers’ payment terms, and through n cmacgroup.co.uk ‘vehicle-to-ground’ solutions. understanding of the transport DKV eReporting systems, and expanded Synectics’ Iain Stringer market gives Synectics a DKV Maps helps operators find its online presence for all (pictured) and Neil Brockbank front-line insight into how the nearest DKV acceptance DKV eReporting is an analysis operators who wish to use it. presented sessions discussing ongoing developments station in the UK and in tool that provides optimum It says that the biggest issue the opportunities for with surveillance and Europe. control of all DKV transactions most suppliers have with third- convergence across transport security systems can Its integrated route planner in the operators fleet. party aggregators, brokers and networks. support organisations – an also contains a toll calculator It displays card use almost agents is their payment terms. They also covered specific area explored in Synectics’ for Europe. in real-time, CO2 emissions at Having started out as an technologies and integration convergence presentation The driver can select the a glance, and VAT refunds per operator as well as an agent, opportunities around during the event. optimal route to the service country. CMAC is aware of the problems identifying unattended At CBUK Synectics will be station with the best fuel that delayed, misplaced or baggage, managing passenger exploring future trends in on- price, saving on fuel and CO2 DKV App incorrect invoices can cause – flow, protecting perimeters, vehicle technology, especially emissions. any job completed in a timely facial recognition and tracking. the advantages of high- DKV MAPS also has tools to DKV developed the DKV App to fashion should be paid in a With a regional hub in definition IP solutions, plus the enable drivers to find a service ensure DKV Maps is available timely fashion, otherwise Singapore, Synectics has topic of convergence and its station with a disposal for for drivers on the road. cash flow becomes a serious delivered projects for operators role in connecting vehicles and chemical toilets, or with an The app supports coach concern. in the SE Asia region, including broader infrastructure via the extra-large wash bay. drivers all over Europe to Rather than post or email Go-Ahead Singapore, Tower Internet of Things. find fuel stations and vehicle invoices to CMAC, all operator Transit Singapore, and Hong There will also be live DKV Cockpit service stations with DKV suppliers can now file their Kong Citybus. demonstrations. acceptance. invoices online, directly into The company has DKV Cockpit enables operators their supplier portal. From there successfully delivered several n Stand N19 to re-order or block fuel and n Stand L3 they can track the progress of high-profile transport and n synecticsmobile.com service cards, and preserve and n dkv-euroservice.com

10 Innovations // Autumn 2017 Innovations // Autumn 2017 11 In partnership with

Bringing the bus and coach industry together

Venue: Hall 17/18/19, NEC, Opening hours: A-listers get 4 October: 0930-1700hrs 5 October: 0930-1600hrs Open to trade visitors and entertained press only

Contact: fleet while adding new Martin Laverton thanks entertainment features that Group Sales Manager would benefit the comfort of t: 01733 405735 our clients. e: [email protected] to Mobile “Mobile Onboard’s BeamTV platform is the www.coachandbusuk.co.uk perfect technology as it does everything we were looking for. Onboard We’ve been able to replace a number of on-bus technologies with just the one Beam Premium sleeper bus company developed by Mobile Onboard’s bw280 unit, which is really Phoenix Bussing has partnered LABS team. impressive.” with Mobile Onboard to deliver The team had to create a Corbin Adler from Mobile a new passenger infotainment new product called the BeamTV Onboard adds: “We pride Jessamy Chapman system for its fleet of 31 Setra Duo, which allows multiscreen ourselves in developing Innovations Editor double-deckers. access to BeamTV. For Phoenix products and technologies t: 01733 405744 Phoenix Bussing provides Bussing, this enables artists that have the flexibility to e: [email protected] high-end custom-built touring and touring personnel to be adapted to a customer’s coaches for the music industry. watch different content on requirements. Daniel Lunn Its clients include Lady Gaga, TVs in both the upstairs and “Our in-house LABS team Sales Manager Beyonce, Elton John and downstairs lounge areas have done a great job in t: 01733 405734 Madonna, so it has very high simultaneously. They can also applying our BeamTV and e: [email protected] standards and takes pride in its stream content directly to Beam on-bus wi-fi technology levels of on-board comfort and their own mobile devices when to Phoenix Bussing’s specific Steven Black entertainment. relaxing in their bunks. passenger infotainment Senior Sales Executive Powered by Mobile Andy Gray, Transport requirements.” t: 01733 405731 Onboard’s BeamTV platform, Manager at Phoenix Bussing, e: [email protected] Phoenix’s custom passenger says: “We wanted to simplify n Stand C22 infotainment solution was the on-bus systems on our n mobileonboard.com Hayley Marrison Sales Executive t: 01733 405733 e: [email protected]

Phil Robinson Complete service from Alcolock GB Graphic Designer Alcolock GB offers solutions manufacturers and national customer, including telephone to manage drink-drive fleet operators to design a and full technical support, activities in the transport breathalyser with a complete with installation, calibration industry, including its Alcolock management system to deliver and service, at a location Diversified Communications UK Ltd, Unit 4, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, GB breathalyser interlock live results and alerts to the chosen by the customer, such Peterborough PE2 6FT system, wall-mounted units, operator. as the coach depot. and affordable, reliable It operates nationwide www.divcom.co.uk breathalysers. including Ireland, and offers n Stand G30 © Diversified Communications UK Ltd 2017 It has worked with a one-stop shop to the n alcolockgb.com