WebTech Wireless will be opening its set of live NextBus data for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Tech Shuttle buses, allowing MIT students to design applications that take advantage of real-time GPS bus schedule and arrival information. Read the full story on the MIT News website.

This great interview on RDI Week-end appeared yesterday on the eve of the official launch of Laval Quebec’s STL Synchro real-time passenger information system. It’s in French, but we hope to have an English transcript available soon.

The official launch is on Tuesday and includes flipping the switch on 80 transit stop digital information signs – the largest number of signs ever installed by a Canadian transit authority. Smartphone and internet portal access is already available. More information at STL’s website.

Some creative use of NextBus GPS data to help visualize transit patterns and volumes in the San Francisco area. Market St. is on the upper right, and you can see buses coming across the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island in the far upper right. In the first video, each white dot/cube is a bus or train.

Thanks Jeevan. This is very cool.

San Francisco Public Transit Data Visualization from Jeevan Kalanithi on Vimeo.

San Francisco Public Transit Visualization from Jeevan Kalanithi on Vimeo.

Gov. Steve Beshear

State of Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear yesterday held a press conference to review progress on his state’s aggressive Smart Government cost-cutting program; announcing further measures to increase the already US$900 million that have been shaved off the state budget over the last two years of his administration.

Of note is Governor Beshear’s reference to the state’s ongoing review of its business solutions, and a fleet management pilot completed by the Dept. of Administrative Services, in which AT&T Mobility and WebTech Wireless played a key role.

From the Office of the Governor’s Press Release (January 13th, 2010): 

The full Commonwealth of Kentucky Press Release can be seen on their website.

We’re thrilled that the Commonwealth of Kentucky has seen such significant cost-cutting results − and in such a short period of time. That the governor himself is aware of the program and sees it as an important component in meeting his state’s budgetary obligations is indication that remote fleet management is today a necessity for government at all levels and sizes.

For more information on WebTech Wireless’ solutions for government, including our recent acquisition of the government focused InterFleet brand, please visit our website.

The following reports are now available in the latest version of WebTech Wireless’ Quadrant system.

Vehicle Scorecard Report

Fleets without engine diagnostics capabilities can now generate scorecards based on factors that contribute to safety and fuel consumption.  The Vehicle Scorecard Report displays factors such as distances, average/excess/maximum speeds, idling, sharp acceleration, and hard braking events.

All data is GPS-based, except if an accelerometer is installed, in which case the acceleration and braking data is also collected. Users can customize their Scorecard Reports by selecting the weightings applied to each factor, thus measuring their fleet and driver preformance with criteria that is relavent to them.

The Vehicle Scorecard Report is one of a suite of reports that help companies reduce fuel usage with  information that can modifiy and improve driver behavior.

Shift-Based Travel Report

The new Shift-Based Travel Report now includes optional worker ‘shift’ information. Certain columns are hidden and populated with ‘off-shift’ hour information depending on the specific features activated.

The purpose of this report is to separate ‘on-shift’ and ‘off-shift’ hour information and to hide any ‘off-shift’ information that drivers operating company vehicles on personal time may consider private.

For more information, contact your WebTech Wireless representative or our Customer Support line at: 1 (604) 419 8163 or Toll Free in N. America: +1 (866) 945 4568