Navigation

Navigation aids

Transport Operators seek to incorporate a navigation aid which will primarily display the planned and approved route with indications of pick-up and drop-off points and in the event of rerouting to account for coach dimensions, legislation and restrictions in order to present a safe alternative route to the coach driver with minimal divergence from the planned route. Coaches are often operated by drivers who do not speak the language of the country they are travelling through and this can make it difficult for them to navigate as they may not correctly interpret the road signs and or can ask for local help. In cases when they are required to find alternative routes, this problem can become acute. They usually rely on fellow drivers that they contact by phone or in some cases the passengers who know the way. Pick-up and Drop-off points in rural areas pose the most common navigation problem for drivers and in those cases they use assistance from the passengers in order to reach the point. The roads that they take may not be suitable for coaches and taking these roads may introduce delays to the service.

Communication with drivers

Transport Operators require a reliable always-available communication link with the coach drivers for a variety of reasons, including schedule, traffic, navigation, and safety information. This should be done using an audio communication mode in a language that they understand. It should be effective and not distract the driver, although he must acknowledge that the message has been received.

In the event of delays, breakdowns and accidents, if the exact position of the coach is known, remedial action can be taken and communicated to the driver. This will help the driver plan changes to the designated route effectively in response to changing conditions. At present, when there is a breakdown or accident, drivers typically inform their coach network operations centre at the next station when it is reached using their mobile phone. There is a 24 hour on-call service for this service that operates at the station, which then dispatches assistance as required.

Pick-up and Drop-off points in rural areas pose a common navigation problem for drivers. In some such cases at present, drivers call fellow drivers for help, or they use assistance from passengers that have local knowledge. The roads that they take may not be suitable for coaches so following them can delay the service. Information on the best routes to take can be communicated to the driver through either navigation systems or operator support.