Fleet Management – Automatic Passenger Counting Systems

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One of the advancements in the management of fleet companies is the use of automatic passenger counting systems (APCs). It is a combination of cameras, sensors, stepping buttons, and internet protocols. The main purpose of this system is to count the number of passengers boarding and alighting passenger vehicles. Hence, it is used in buses, commuter trains, and sometimes cabs.

Fleet companies that manage passenger vehicles should consider installing APC systems to optimize productivity, increase efficiency and transparency, and reduce disputes between the company and employees.

How to Choose an APC System

Before installing an APC system for your buses, it is crucial to research well to know what the service providers are offering. This should be matched with your company’s needs to ensure that all the features match what you want.

First, make sure that the proposed APC system has a combination of cameras and sensors for maximum accuracy. The good thing with this, as opposed to the old models that use stepping buttons, is that they avoid repetitive counting, which increases accuracy. Also, check if the cameras and sensors can be rotated to different angles to meet the current needs. Although professionals do the installation, it is always good to consider ease of operation just in case it is needed in the future. 

Lastly, your APC should have the latest technology that involves the real-time transmission of data via the internet. If you ask fleet management solution experts, real-time transmission of data has numerous benefits that enable fast and fact-based decision making.

How to Set Up the APC System

Experts should setup your APC for optimum functionality. After you have settled on one for your buses or commuter trains installation should take the shortest time possible.

The cameras and the sensors are installed on the door of the vehicles and are programmed to recognize the passengers very fast as they board and alight. The functionality might differ depending on the technology of the system as you will see when you visit this reputable fleet management website.

The system is powered using the vehicle battery through a live line that powers it even when the engine is off, just like with other systems in the vehicle such as GPS, surveillance cameras, and the internet.

Once they are set up, they are connected to the internet for real-time data transmission. Hence, the buses, coaches, or the commuter train should have internet connectivity at all times. However, the system should be in a position to collect data even in the event of internet downtime. This means it should have a data storage area in the form of a hard disk.

Even when the APC is working perfectly, the service provider should provide a service and checkup schedule, regular updates, and all other necessary support. It is worth noting that some providers ask for a one-time fee at purchase while others require an annual license fee. It is up to you to choose a plan that offers value to your fleet business.

Common Benefits of APCs

As hinted, fleet companies enjoy numerous benefits when they set up the right management systems. APC has many benefits on its own. Here are some of them:

  • Increased transparency – Now that the company has a way of verifying the number of passengers boarding and alighting vehicles at any one time, transparency increases. Managers will now have real-time to compare with the accounts department.
  • Proper planning and routing – It is now possible to understand the passenger behaviour in all routes and make better plans with your vehicles. This includes understanding the peak and off-peak hours, routes with many stranded passengers, and directing more vehicles there. Planning becomes easier and better.
  • Increased reputation – Clients trust fleet companies with transparency and increased productivity and will find it easy to give them vehicles to manage for them. Passengers, on the other hand, also trust companies that put their needs first such as providing availing vehicles to all routes and working on a successful schedule.
  • Increased productivity – APC is one of the fleet management systems that increases the productivity of a business. Once, it is installed, you will definitely notice an increase in client base and profit margins at the end of the day.

Final Word

APCs are just one of the many fleet management systems that are put in place. It is very effective when it is set up correctly and synchronized with other systems. With the above insights, your fleet company will be a success.