The Telebus management system is dedicated to "On-Call Transport" systems, or flexible systems also known by the English abbreviation DRT (Demand Responsive Transport), a particular form of public/private transport service in which the itineraries, timetables and running times are planned based on the requests of Users. This service results from the need to satisfy a demand that is too small to justify fixed, rigid itineraries, and it can also be an effective way of monitoring and testing the needs of a new route before making it effective. The service responds to transport needs in low-demand and rural areas, and thus falls perfectly within RTI (Rural Transport Initiative) projects, and can also be used in an urban context to support IRT (Integrated Rapid Transit) systems. It is also the most complete, technologically advanced solution for transport of persons with restricted mobility, students, persons inside areas with traffic restrictions, etc. Finally, the same software can also be adapted to various situations other than transport of persons, for example management and monitoring of vehicles used for Differential Waste Collection.
PluService's answer to the need for "Demand Responsive Transport" service management is provided by the Telebus software. The module is located within the ERP Superdriver, of which it forms an integral part, and is one piece in the management mosaic created ad hoc for LPT companies. PluService Telebus allows management of "Demand Responsive Transport" requests, that is to say it allows the requests for transport received from Users to be collected and processed, creating a solution that is optimised in terms of timetable, destinations and resources available. It provides the operator with an interface tool to enter the personal details and requests of Users, and real time display of the position of transport vehicles on the map (AVL).
Satellite tracking and connectivity of the vehicles means that it is possible to interact in real time, organising a Call-up service when the vehicle is already on the road. Service Users can also enter and manage requests via the web. A wide range of reports are available for service managers and administrators, together with continually updated maps, a parameter-based system capable of adapting to changes in stopping points and routes. An appliance to aid the driver is fitted on board the transport vehicles. This is equipped with a satellite locator, and using a simple graphic interface it provides information on the stops to be made, the users to be collected, delays or advances with respect to the running schedule.
The service can also be supplied in hosting.
PluService's answer to the need for "Demand Responsive Transport" service management is provided by the Telebus software. The module is located within the ERP Superdriver, of which it forms an integral part, and is one piece in the management mosaic created ad hoc for LPT companies. PluService Telebus allows management of "Demand Responsive Transport" requests, that is to say it allows the requests for transport received from Users to be collected and processed, creating a solution that is optimised in terms of timetable, destinations and resources available. It provides the operator with an interface tool to enter the personal details and requests of Users, and real time display of the position of transport vehicles on the map (AVL).
Satellite tracking and connectivity of the vehicles means that it is possible to interact in real time, organising a Call-up service when the vehicle is already on the road. Service Users can also enter and manage requests via the web. A wide range of reports are available for service managers and administrators, together with continually updated maps, a parameter-based system capable of adapting to changes in stopping points and routes. An appliance to aid the driver is fitted on board the transport vehicles. This is equipped with a satellite locator, and using a simple graphic interface it provides information on the stops to be made, the users to be collected, delays or advances with respect to the running schedule.
The service can also be supplied in hosting.
Features
Management of requests
The Telebus software allows transport requests to be entered very quickly. The form used for this purpose is made up of a few basic data input fields, such as the passenger name to identify the relevant category (generic user, disabled person, accompanying person), pick-up and drop-off point, time of departure or arrival. It is also possible to specify any particular loading needs that must be taken into consideration by the optimisation algorithm (for example strollers, suitcases, animals...). A request may be valid for one or more days, bookings for one or more seats may be replicated for the return journey.
Map based interface
The system allows the selected route to be displayed on the map. This allows the starting point and arrival point of each trip to be identified, along with the points that are passed by the vehicle. The system is connected to the AVL operating centre, which allows all vehicles to be shown on the map in real time, so that the proper location and actual travel times of the vehicle can be seen at all times (delays, advances, state of vehicles: moving, stopped, ...). It is possible to enter the request directly from the map, by selecting the address indicated by the user, thus allowing management of so-called Door-to-Door services. This function enables the stopping points closest to the address requested by the user to be found, if stopping places have to be fixed.
Optimisation of routes on the map
This function can be used to generate the optimum route based on the requests entered. It operates directly on the map base, providing potential solutions/routes that are as close as possible to the needs of users. The algorithm takes into consideration a number of parameter-based elements, such as the seating capacity and type of vehicle (e.g. suitable for transport of disabled users), times of intense traffic, this makes it possible to obtain more precise calculation of the user pick-up time and the time required to reach destination.
Driver interface
All the requests optimised by the system are then sent to the on-board device. The driver is able to view on the display all the information needed to carry out the service: passenger list and pick-up/drop-off points, with relevant timetable. It is possible to send changes to services that have already been planned and are in progress.
Integration with Movement and Ticketing
The Demand Responsive Service management software can be integrated with other PluService products, Movement and Ticketing. Movement provides the daily service provided by human and technical resources, for final accounting calculations (wages, record of distances travelled, ...). From Movement it is possible to share information relating to the lines, the services to be provided, vehicle codes, driver codes, Using Ticketing (Telemaco) it is possible to manage and purchase other travel items.
Reports
This procedure can be used to consult service and statistics reports. It is possible, in real time, to access a whole series of printouts and reports on use of the system, for example the routes travelled, distances travelled, certification of the service provided, number of passengers and frequency of use, service revenue, vehicle details...
The latest references:
Comune di Basiglio (Milano 3)
Peninsula Holdings (Cape Town, South Africa)
Servizio al Volo (Aeroporto di Lamezia)
Involved in these projects:
South Africa Stadium 2010 Project
Commissione Europea - DG Research
Made-to-measure urban transport
Comune di Basiglio
