GPS system keep track of busses
When we think of the Transportation Security Administration, we usually think of their work done to protect air travel; they are also involved, however, in other forms of transportation, like charter buses; DHS administers a grant to help charter companies install GPS tracking systems in their coaches — and Trailways used to money to equip its 2,000 buses with GPS
When we think of the Transportation Security Administration, we usually think of their work done to protect air travel. They are also involved, however, in other forms of transportation, like charter buses. One company in North Dakota is benefiting from grant money to keep their buses safe.
Harlow`s Bus Service in Bismarck operates ten charter buses. When they joined the Trailways system this summer those buses got something new: GPS.
KFYR-TV5 reports that right now, more than 2,000 Trailways buses are on the road somewhere in the country. One is parked in front of the Navy Pier in Chicago. Others are inside a garage in Bismarck.
Trailways vice president Mark Szyperski said: “Everyday throughout the United States and all the important structures and visitor places, motor coaches pull up in front and let their groups off. So, it’s not unusual to see a motor coach pull up and have a driver walk away from the bus.”
Because of that, DHS administered a grant to help charter companies install GPS tracking systems in their coaches.
Unlike people traveling by airplane, people traveling on a charter bus like this do not have to go through a metal detector before they get on. This GPS technology helps keep the bus from falling in the wrong hands.
“We developed this system ourselves. It is on the Internet,” said Szyperski.
While the main purpose of the system is security, there are a number of side benefits. “We like to know where our buses are at and how fast the driver is traveling,” said Neal Prichard, Harlow`s bus service manager. “It’s kind of a nice way to keep track of things, see that we’re doing what we’re supposed to do.”
The GPS can help find a driver who broke down on the side of the road or give parents and principals peace of mind when school groups are on a long trip.
“Last year we had about 15 large trips with bands and choirs in May, June and July,” added Prichard.
He says safety and security is a big concern when operating a motor coach and this system takes it one notch up.
