We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • ::COVID-19 COVERAGE::
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC.
    • Podcast
    • Blogs
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Best Practices
      • Dispatches
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Logistics Problem Solving
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Public Sector Logistics
      • Two Sides of the Logistics Coin
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • MODEX 2020
    • Upload Your Video
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC.
    • Podcast
    • Blogs
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Best Practices
      • Dispatches
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Logistics Problem Solving
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Public Sector Logistics
      • Two Sides of the Logistics Coin
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • MODEX 2020
    • Upload Your Video
Home » Regional Transit System Swaps Radio for Cellular Saving Thousands and Improving Services
Press releases are provided by companies as is and have not been edited or checked for accuracy. Any queries should be directed to the company issuing the release.

Upload your press release

Regional Transit System Swaps Radio for Cellular Saving Thousands and Improving Services

August 14, 2017
No Comments

Brea, CA, July 2017 - Until about a year ago, the Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) rented space on a local 800 MHz trunking system and used a variety of radio makes/models to manage communications between dispatchers and bus drivers. However, this system was incurring roughly $35,000 a year for radios, installation, repairs and tower rent. Additionally, fifty bus radios and six dispatcher units would soon reach end of life and require a large capital outlay to replace. As a public transit system primarily serving rural communities, this was becoming a backbreaking expense. While serving over 200 thousand residents in seven counties around Northwest Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska, in addition to providing specialized services for those with disabilities, low income and the elderly, it was evident the radio system was causing more harm than good. Beyond the exorbitant annual cost, drivers were forced to handle radios during transport, and coverage was often unreliable.

Curt Miller, Transit Director for SRTS, identified the issues and began crafting a multi-phase solution. First, he deployed Samsung tablets to every driver and Samsung Galaxy cellphones to dispatch personnel. SRTS had previously implemented Automated Business Solution's PTMS dispatch software, which now runs on bus tablets over the Verizon network. Next, Miller researched mobile applications that would communicate with all devices. The Zello for Work app was the only program that met all his criteria—Providing the ability to program drivers into groups, allowing dispatchers to talk to drivers one county at a time rather than all at once, and maintaining a history of all calls. In the end, Miller subscribed to Zello for all 60 employees.

The only glitch in the system was that tablet audio wasn't loud enough for drivers to hear and needed a remote mic to amplify sound. After a false start with a wired version from another manufacturer, Miller discovered Pryme while researching heavy duty wireless Bluetooth speaker microphones typically found in the public safety space.

"One of the biggest benefits of Pryme's BTH-600 ZU was that drivers could clip the mic to lapels and use the push-to-talk feature while in motion without ever having to touch the tablet," said Miller. "Plus, drivers could now step outside the bus to assist passengers and still communicate, whereas before they missed transmissions."

The fact that Pryme's wireless Bluetooth Mic with PTT was specifically designed to support mobile apps like Zello—which most others weren't, yet Pryme's pricing was comparable—sealed Miller's decision to convert all 60 drivers. The total package, including dispatcher smart phones, tablets installed on stands in buses and running the dispatch software with Zello in the background, cost over 70% less per annum than SRTS's previous system—And coverage was as good or better, even in the most rural areas.

The last phase in Miller's plan is improving bandwidth to allow live streaming from the video camera/DVR systems on board all buses. Miller is currently in the process of testing Cradlepoint's in-vehicle IBR 1100 ruggedized router units and the results thus far have been resoundingly successful. Live video can be watched with sound from base desktops, plus recorded video is automatically downloadable for review in the event of an incident. Moreover, SRTS will be able to switch the tablets from Verizon's Data Service to wireless internet via Cradlepoint instead. Yet another time and money-saving strategy that also upgrades safety measures. Not to mention a much stronger signal and the added benefit of free Wi-Fi for passengers.

SRTS maintains transportation contracts with several entities in both larger communities and rural areas, including Native American Childcare Services in Sioux City, as well as many other school systems and city agencies. Last year alone, SRTS provided about 180,000 rides and traveled over a million miles. Miller's communications system is so ahead of the game, it was recently awarded the Innovative Solutions Award by Metro Magazine. Better still, rural transit systems in many of the other 99 counties in Iowa have reached out to Miller for information, which prompted him to present a tablet demonstration at the Iowa Public Transit Association Technology Roundtable last Spring.

Miller said, "I believe in sharing our success story so that others may benefit from what we've learned and achieved. That's what community is all about."

About Pryme Radio Products
Headquartered in Brea, California, PRYME Radio Products has been a leading manufacturer of high quality products for professional users of mobile communications for over 30 years. PRYME is devoted to innovating new technologies that serve a wide range of industries and uses. All products are designed, engineered and built in-house. PRYME is capable of customizing communication accessories for almost any end-user need.

More Info: http://www.pryme.com

Submit your logistics, material handling, or supply chain related company news in DC VELOCITY's Industry Press Room section or New Products section
  • Related Articles

    Southeastern Freight Lines Promotes Jameson Emory to Regional Fleet Services Manager for Maintenance

    Southeastern Freight Lines Promotes Steve Counihan - Regional Fleet Services Manager for Maintenance

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Cold chain giant Lineage Logistics buys its own rail operator

  • For container lines and ports, what a difference a year makes

  • Outlook 2021: What’s in store for logistics supply chain?

  • Capacity challenges will continue in 2021

  • Shippers brace for tight capacity trend to continue in 2021

Now Playing on DCV-TV

Jlt procure rugged devices thumb

What it takes to procure the right rugged devices for your warehouse

DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
Procuring new rugged devices for your warehouse is often a big decision and a significant investment. It needs careful planning and consideration. It involves more than ticking boxes on a spec sheet. It includes testing and getting employee buy in. And it's about finding a partner that can work with you to deploy...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Proven Benefits: A Compendium of Slotting Optimization Success Snapshots

  • Bridging Information Gaps in Dock and Yard Operations

  • How Intelligent Sensor Solutions Turn Data Into Action

  • Order picking Solutions: Understanding Your Options

View More

Subscribe to DC Velocity Magazine

GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2021. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing