PRO-ACTIVE monitoring by 21st Century could save bus and coach operators millions in fuel costs
10 October 2007
- system will also reduce carbon footprint -
21st Century has launched a pro-active monitoring system that has the potential to save bus and coach fleets millions of pounds in fuel costs.
Exclusive to 21st Century, ECOManager combines fuel saving technology with a real time drivers LED providing instant efficiency feedback with fully automated reporting by driver, displayed to managers in an easy to use traffic light reporting system with the most and least efficient drivers displayed in green and red respectively.
Trials of fuel saving technologies across Europe have shown that companies could reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% per annum. Applying even a modest 10% fuel saving on average, could save bus and coach operators a significant amount in addition to reducing their carbon footprint.
Furthermore, the reduction in fuel consumption has a direct impact on the fleet's carbon footprint. For every litre of diesel saved, the environment is spared 2.75 kg of carbon.
ECOManager works by monitoring and reporting on drivers' habits and highlighting areas where fuel is being wasted and training may be required. ECOManager also provides drivers with a live LED display highlighting their driving style, which changes from green to amber to red according to their efficiency.
As well as the fuel savings, ECOManager improves driver and passenger safety because it encourages drivers to be more aware of their driving habits. Better driving reduces excessive wear and tear - thereby also reducing maintenance costs.
ECOManager uses data such as distance travelled, MPG and revs per minute. This data can be combined with data from the ticket machine such as driver id, route, stage and fare class. All vehicle data is then displayed in the management reports.
Reports are automatically transferred to the depot through ECOManager and the 21st Century ProGuard CCTV system, providing a fully automatic daily report on driver efficiency. Reports can be used to advise drivers on how to drive on the most efficient ways and re-train drivers to more economic methods.
The in-cab LED provides instant and continuous feedback to the driver based on the fuelling condition, RPM and pedal position. This has been proven in tests to be the most effective way to instantly correct driver behavior and immediately increase fuel efficiency and reduce costs.
