SMRT bus fleet installed with new device to offer a safer ride

SMRT buses are now installed with recorders, which can track if drivers are speeding or driving recklessly. The move to install such a telematics device, in its fleet of 1,200 buses, is part of a broader plan to improve driver behaviour, so commuters can experience a smoother and safer ride, remarked Tan Kian Heong, Vice President of SMRT Buses.

The device monitors driving behaviour in real time and alerts the driver when they have exceeded the 60km/h speed limit, accelerate or brake too abruptly and change lanes or take a turn too sharply.

Drivers who are consistently flagged will be called up and possibly sent for defensive driving sessions, while they were previously monitored via random checks, reported The Straits Times.

Furthermore, the transport operator will utilise big data analytics to study driving behaviour and routes and to identify areas for improvement. It tested the telematics technology provided by NEC Asia Pacific early this year, and began installing the device in May.

In addition, SMRT is working with NEC, to use telematics data gathered to develop a system to improve its bus operations.

The new 'service control management system' allows service controllers in SMRT's bus operations control centre in Woodlands to pin-point the exact location of each bus and the distance between them, explained Mr. Tan. The plan is for the system to, in the near future, provide service controllers with solutions to ensure buses run regularly.

According to SMRT Chief Bus Service Controller, Teo Teck Chai, the new control system has made his job easier, as the tracking of buses is now more accurate and timely. He went on to add that the position of a bus is updated every 30 seconds with the new system, compared to up to five minutes under the old one.

SMRT's ratio of service controllers to buses is currently one controller to about 100 buses, and Mr. Tan told the English daily more controllers will be hired, although refrained from revealing more details.

When the English daily enquired about the cost of the new systems, Mr. Tan cited SMRT and NEC have moved from a buyer-seller relationship to partners developing new solutions to improve service standards. Apparently both firms have not discussed cost matters yet.

Mr. Tan also added that SMRT will find a way to integrate its new service control system with a common bus fleet management system that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will introduce by 2017.