GPS Tracking Keeps Columbia Buses Running Smoothly

Public transportation in Columbia, Missouri may be running a whole lot more smoothly in the future, thanks to GPS tracking. The Columbia Public Works Department recently installed GPS devices in all of its buses, giving the city a better way to monitor bus activity. The biggest perk for those who ride the buses is that they’ll soon be able to download a smartphone app that will allow them to view the buses’ current location and projected arrival times. That means no more lengthy waits at the bus station for a bus that’s running behind schedule.

While the new system carried a hefty price tag–$168,000 for equipment and maintenance—GPS tracking for buses has an impressive track record of saving money and increasing efficiency. Many schools and cities across the nation have already implemented tracking programs in an effort to reduce fuel costs and create better routes. By monitoring things like routes taken, idle times, starts and stops, and vehicle speed, GPS tracking can help fleet managers choose shorter routes, train drivers in more efficient practices, and reduce overall costs.

The smartphone app is a perk that will help Missouri residents benefit from the new GPS tracking devices as well. GPS fleet tracking for buses gives passengers the ability to check the location of the bus they’re waiting for before they head out to the bus stop. Being able to check the projected arrival time from a mobile device will keep passengers from having to wait at the bus stop for long periods of time if the bus is behind schedule.

Many fleet managers have reported thousands of dollars in savings after installing GPS tracking for buses, construction equipment, transport trucks, and other fleet vehicles. In many cases, the cost of the system can be recovered by saving money on fuel costs over time. In addition, the devices bring an added measure of safety to buses that must travel rural routes. If a mechanical problem or other issue arises, it’s much easier to locate the bus and address the situation when GPS tracking is on the job.

The city of Columbia has not yet released the smartphone app that will keep citizens more in sync with the bus route schedule, but it is expected to be available soon.

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GPS Tracking Keeps Columbia Buses Running Smoothly