Tait voice and data system for bus network

Nottingham City Transport (NCT), in the UK, has launched a voice and data communications system designed and manufactured by Tait Communications for its bus network.

The UK subsidiary of New Zealand-owned Tait joined forces with Init Communications to install a voice and data radio system on the bus network in the Midlands city. The system allows vehicle location and real-time passenger information to be communicated via a TaitNet trunked radio network to NCT’s control room.

Bus drivers can control the radio and parts of the automatic vehicle location (AVL) system from one unit. With the AVL data, NCT control-room staff can receive current information, anticipate potential delays and inform specific drivers to alter services as required.

At the same time, the city-wide dedicated radio voice channel means drivers can communicate directly with control-room staff at any time. Historical data can also be collected by an onboard information system to identify trends in delays and provide insight into timetable scheduling, further helping to improve reliability and punctuality of services.

Frank Owen, managing director of Tait Communications, said with 30% of the company’s export demand coming from Europe, the region was an important market.

“This contract continues our strong growth in the last two years, which has been driven by our focus on designing and delivering critical communication solutions for public safety, utility and transport organisations around the world.

“We are looking forward to future export opportunities in Europe as Tait evolves to provide managed services, delivering increased value to customers, internationally and domestically, on a long-term basis.”

David Astill, commercial manager, Nottingham City Transport, said the solution will help NCT further increase bus patronage and cement its reputation as England’s least car-dependent city.

“Tait’s communications solution helps support more than 50 million passenger trips every year. This integrated system will improve reliability and punctuality of services, as well as optimise fleet operations and reduce operational costs.”