Satellite Technology Feature Article
January 08, 2009
Mapflow's Avego Futurefleet Reduces the Gap between Commuters and Transport Operators
By Vivek Naik, TMCnet Contributor
Mapflow launched Avego Futurefleet, its latest system, at the American Public Transit Association (APTA)'s Annual Meeting & Expo in San Francisco. This allows transporters, drivers and commuters to communicate more efficiently by combining iPhone (News - Alert), Web 2.0, GPS (Global Positioning System) devices, RTPI (Real Time Passenger Information) technologies with on-line ticketing services. This end-to-end solution should speed-up information, such as seat availability, can be used across services ranging from Public buses to shuttles to vanpools and is cost effective. Some models come with an MDT, or Mobile Data (Display) Terminal, and a cost comparison indicates that an Avego Futurefleet MDT can cost USD 995 versus other systems costing USD 12000.
The way this system works is quite simple. An Avego Futurefleet device is mounted in a commercial vehicle, which provides the commuter services. This device is connected to the transporters’ headquarters and server, wirelessly, via satellite. The server is connected to the internet and mobile service providers. These are in turn connected to registered commuters. A commuter can get connected to the data available on this server by registering free. After signing in, getting the account authenticated and registering, one gets updates and information about seat availability, arrival, and departure and pick-up timings. On request, a commuter is connected to transporters, or ticketing service providers, or simply to other users registered via Avego. Information and data flow both ways.
The origins of Avego Futurefleet were witnessed in last month’s release of Avego on September the Eighth. Mapflow introduced Avego, a free service, for quick interaction between drivers and passengers of carpools and shuttles in San Francisco and Ireland via the iPhone. The intention was, and is, to promote seat occupancy, thereby reducing the number of vehicles used, hence lesser gas consumed and thereby reducing exhaust fume emissions. This last - lower gas consumption - is a dedicated attempt of contributing towards a greener and environmentally healthier planet.
Mapflow is head-quartered at Dublin, Ireland, and is into insurance, transport tracking, and location services. Mapflow has offices at Menlo Park, CA (News - Alert), USA and London, England, with the Research and Development Centre at Cork, Ireland. A new office will opened at Washington, DC, USA later this year.
Other notable features of Avego Futurefleet with MDT‘s are audio announcements, and web-based ticketing; Printers and smartcard readers, both optional, support printing receipts and card swipe payment; SMS and email support for real-time commuter on-demand information; Real-time Ticketing Information (RTPI) available at terminals with auto-refresh display capability; an online journey planner available free of cost; Fleet dynamic management; and schedule display on Google (News - Alert) Maps system via Integration and output of Google's Transit Feed Specification (GTFS).
Vivek Naik is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Vivek's articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Jessica Kostek
