FleetM8 has recently begun installing its solution on buses in Scotland.

The company had trialled several systems in the past with little success. The requirement was simple – the capability to monitor buses along a specific route in REAL TIME, in order that the depot could alert drivers to slow down if a bus was travelling too close to the service ahead. Spacing of buses on the route is highly desirable to maximise the profitability of  the service. Because FleetM8 is the only solution that offers “per second” updates of GPS data, it was deemed to be the only system that could solve the company’s problem. The first installation took place in October 2009 in Glasgow, Scotland and has proved to be a huge success.

Depot manager, William Dunsmore says, “We had been approached by several companies who claimed they could solve our problems. However, it was clear after several trials that none of these systems were suitable for our requirements. The FleetM8 solution allows us to view all vehicles travelling along each route LIVE! No other product comes close to this. Coupled with our in cab communication system, we are now able to inform drivers when they need to slow down to maintain consistency along the route! I am extremely happy with the FleetM8 solution and would gladly recommend it to others”

Established in 1957, the company has grown from strength to strength over the years and now employs in excess of 150 directly employed operatives and staff.

Burridges have used the FleetM8 vehicle monitoring solution for more than 12 months and have been closely involved in the development of the product.

Monitoring the movement of 150 members of staff was proving to be a headache for the company and it was important that emergency calls were allocated to the nearest operative. Office staff needs to know where various “trades” are at any given time. For example if an electrical call comes in an electrician needs to be allocated to the job. By colour coding individual trades, calls can be allocated quickly and emergency response times have been dramatically cut. Furthermore, suppliers premises have been plotted on the system and should an operative require supplies; the office is able to direct the driver to the nearest supplier

In addition, the company wanted to monitor its overall fuel spend. It was thought that personal miles were being heavily funded by the company and unnecessary journeys were being made at the company’s expense. Since the FleetM8 system has been introduced, personal mileage has been reduced by 35%. The company are now also able to monitor the driving behaviour of all its employees. Although poor driving has been proven not to be a problem with current employees, the company are pleased to have the facility for checking future members of staff.

Purchasing Manager, Adrian Christie, says “Our company has been using the FleetM8 system for some time now and we have been extremely impressed with the results. As a result of installing the system, we have noticed a reduction in fuel consumption and wear and tear on the vehicles. FleetM8 have worked very closely with us and we have been extremely impressed by their professionalism. I would happily recommend them to any other company”

Adrian Christie, Purchasing Manager PF Burridge Ltd

“We had been approached by several companies who claimed they could solve our problems. However, it was clear after several trials that none of these systems were suitable for our requirements. The FleetM8 solution allows us to view all vehicles travelling along each route LIVE! No other product comes close to this. Coupled with our in cab communication system, we are now able to inform drivers when they need to slow down to maintain consistency along the route! I am extremely happy with the FleetM8 solution and would gladly recommend it to others”

William Dunsmore, Arriva Buses