If you’re in the transportation industry, then you can look forward to a “steady” year ahead, as no less than Moody’s has predicted a relatively stable outlook. This is great news for big and small transportation companies everywhere, especially because the transportation industry has become a lot more important for mobility in the past decade.
Utilizing Technology
If you are just starting out in this industry, or if you would like to have a simplified and better streamlined process in offering quality service to clients, then you should try using transportation scheduling software.
Even if you only have a small or mid-sized fleet of vehicles, it’s still going to be very helpful for you to have scheduling software because one of the biggest hurdles for transportation companies is meeting set deadlines.
One of the tools you can use is a transportation scheduling software system called EzTransport®, which allows you to route and schedule your trips through a secure web portal and mobile app. EzTransport is not just for tracking of vehicles, but can also be used for other kinds of services, such as taxis, buses, and even paratransit transportation programs.
EzTransport as a Practical Cost-Efficient Measure
Companies operating public transportation vehicles are expected to provide their passengers good service. One of the most important considerations is ensuring vehicles are dispatched on time. This is true whether the company operates buses, taxis or a fleet of paratransit vehicles. You don’t want to leave passengers stranded.
This is where you need EzTransport to help make it easy for both your drivers and your passengers. For drivers, it is convenient to use because it features driver and passenger-friendly modes of payments. The system includes automated fare collection systems backed by secure hardware and software customized to the transportation agency or fleet requirements.
Payments via magnetic swipe or smart cards issued to passengers, credit cards, and debit cards can be accepted. This eliminates the need to give change, and speeds up the payment process. A cashless payment system also makes it safer for the driver who will not have to worry about being robbed of the fare. Passengers, especially those who are issued reloadable magnetic swipe or smart cards, will find it much easier to book trips as well as to pay for their trips.
On the administrative side, EzTransport makes it easy for dispatchers to track and monitor each vehicle and driver in the fleet. A secure web portal provides a wide variety of information on vehicles and drivers, including location, trips and fares collected, etc. It enables dispatchers to choose the most cost-efficient way to meet customer requirements. This translates to lower operating costs as well as virtually eliminating missed pick-ups.
Safety Considerations
Back in 2013, the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has declared federal regulations meant to improve public motoring safety. Specifically, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers must only have a total of up to 11 hours daily actually driving, and up to 14 hours of work per day.
The strict regulation is meant to ensure that no driver will be put at risk by driving while over fatigued and sleep-deprived. A reliable and efficient scheduling software on top of a seamless scheduling and routing systems solution, such as EzTransport, can help transportation companies strictly regulate drivers’ schedules. In addition, the system can also monitor how (safely) vehicles are being operated, which adds yet another layer of safety for the driver, the passengers, and the vehicle itself.
Consult with MJM Innovations about how EzTransport can be customized to provide your company the maximum benefits from its powerful features. The sooner you set up an appointment, the sooner you can realize benefits from getting your transportation company’s scheduling properly automated.
Sources:
Transportation Scheduling in SAP. Learn SAP Tips.
The Transportation Barrier. The Atlantic.
