GPS BUS

I am always really happy when I see old friends making good.  For years I sold GPS tracking systems from Geotab, mainly, because after years of experience with a number of other systems, I was convinced Geotab’s use of the technology was one of the best in the world.

We had many successes together but one segment of the market I was never able to “crack” was school transportation … a segment that really needed the cost savings and absolutely needed the operational and safety aspects … but was very much entrenched with suppliers who “always” served the schools market … none of whom ever offered anything as good as Geotab.

Today I came across this announcement, and I see my old colleagues at Geotab have made a great partnership.  Good on you, mates.

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL) announced today that it now offers Tyler Telematic GPS™, a solution that uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology integrated with Tyler’s School Solutions to provide insight into transportation data. The product offering will help Tyler’s student transportation clients lower fuel consumption, gain insight into driver habits and reduce maintenance costs. Tyler Telematic GPS will initially be offered to clients in the K-12 school market through Tyler’s Versatrans Solution.

“This technology represents the most significant innovation in the school transportation industry since the advent of automated routing,” said John Fahey, a Tyler Versatrans consultant and former assistant superintendent for Buffalo, N.Y. School District. “Transportation managers can rely on Tyler Telematic GPS to provide significant cost savings by allowing real-time monitoring of vehicle information and driver behavior. This product really taps into the return on investment GPS technology provides when used to its fullest capabilities.”

In addition to position information provided by traditional GPS devices, Tyler Telematic GPS provides insight into vehicle data and driver behavior. Information collected from On-Board Diagnostic monitoring can include engine faults, low battery voltage, engine idling, oil pressure, harsh braking, and other warnings and alerts. Proactively managing these items helps fleet managers save money, reduce driver related incidents, and decrease their environmental footprint.

This new offering leverages Tyler’s Versatrans Onscreen and Powercheck software with GPS hardware through Geotab. Tyler’s Versatrans Onscreen is real-time GPS fleet tracking and management software, while Powercheck creates driver and vehicle profiles, and engine diagnostic reports. Geotab has more than 100,000 similar units already deployed.

Geotab Chief Executive Officer Neil Cawse said, “Combining Tyler’s Versatrans Solution with our leading Telematic’s technology, creates a solution that gives customers the tools and data they need to improve efficiencies, reduce waste and build service levels, making very real improvements to business.”

And to any school district decision-makers reading this … or any parents who care about their children’s safety, better take note.  This is the train to be on, believe me (and remember, I don’t sell anything here … I just assure you that you need to be on the train or be sorry you missed it.