Bus Travel is Safer With GPS Tracking

Buses in Malaysia may soon be monitored more effectively for safe driving habits, thanks to GPS tracking. The Land and Public Transport Commission (SPAD) in Malaysia wants the technology to be installed on all public buses so that unsafe driving habits such as disregarding speed limits and traffic laws can be addressed. Currently, only a few of the buses that provide public transportation are equipped with tracking units. Although no law requires bus companies to use the technology, a spokesperson for SPAD said that they hope all companies will cooperate willingly. The buses would be monitored at a central location, making it easier to take action with drivers who are in violation of traffic laws.

How GPS Tracking Helps Fleet Managers

Many fleet managers have already experienced the positive benefits of equipping vehicles with GPS tracking devices. Some of those benefits include:

• More efficient routes—By monitoring the routes drivers take to reach their destinations, managers can determine where inefficiencies occur. They can determine the quickest route to a given destination, helping drivers reach their destinations faster and facilitating more calls or deliveries during the day.


• Identification of inefficient driving habits—Habits like leaving the truck idling while it’s being unloaded at the shipping dock or eating lunch in the truck without turning off the engine can lead to significant fuel waste. GPS tracking can show when a truck is left idling for lengthy periods of time, giving managers the opportunity to retrain for more efficient habits.


• Monitoring of driver adherence to stipulated company policy and traffic laws—GPS tracking allows fleet managers to monitor the speed at which a truck is being driven and to determine whether unauthorized stops or other company policy violations are happening during the day. If drivers know their trucks are being monitored, they will be more likely to comply with stated company policy.


• Protection against theft—One of the most cost-saving benefits of GPS tracking is that it facilitates theft recovery if a vehicle is stolen. Expensive equipment like buses, construction vehicles, and large trucks can cost thousands of dollars to replace and since they are often left unattended at a work site, they make easy targets for theft. GPS tracking gives law enforcement departments the ability to quickly and easily locate the stolen vehicle and apprehend the thief, making it much more likely that the vehicle can be recovered before it is sold or broken down for parts.

Additional Benefits for Bus Companies

GPS = Accountability & Efficiency

Not only does GPS tracking provide the general benefits listed above, but for bus companies, it can also provide benefits specific to the industry. In the United States, many transit companies have already implemented GPS tracking tools such as:

• Monitoring routes for delays—When a bus is equipped with GPS tracking, it’s easy to tell if it’s running on schedule or not.


• Providing real-time updates online—Passengers who need to catch the bus can check a website to see if it’s running on time or if they should expect a wait at the bus stop.


• Protection for school children—School buses may experience delays in the morning, especially in cold weather when the roads are hazardous. GPS tracking lets parents know if the bus is running late and prevents kids from standing at the bus stop for long periods of time in snow or rain.


• Monitoring driver habits—When the lives of passengers are at stake, it’s even more important that drivers scrupulously obey traffic laws. GPS tracking lets bus managers know if a driver is in the habit of speeding or making unsafe stops.

Getting on Board With GPS Tracking

Installing new systems on a large number of vehicles can be an expensive endeavor. However, most fleet managers have reported that GPS tracking devices pay themselves many times over in terms of fuel cost savings and theft prevention. In Malaysia, SPAD reports that the proposal to install the units on public buses has been well-received among most bus company operators. That’s good news for the many people who use public buses every day.

In the United States, criticisms of GPS tracking technology for public transportation often center on its expense, especially when that money comes out of taxpayer pockets. However, by citing the benefits and cost-saving potential of the devices, many cities have successfully received approval to take action.

Whether you’re looking at public bus companies, construction companies, or delivery companies, GPS tracking can make a huge difference in the efficiency of drivers and can also deliver cost savings of thousands of dollars over a relatively short period of time. Choosing to install GPS tracking devices on fleet vehicles isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly; however, it has the potential to save money, improve efficiency, and even save lives by helping managers alter driver behavior in a positive way.

Bus Travel is Safer With GPS Tracking