Ticketer, the UK’s leading provider of real-time information, fleet management and smart ticketing solutions, has officially launched its latest innovation, Driver Connect, on board First Bus.
Developed in response to evolving operator needs and shaped by direct customer feedback, Ticketer Driver Connect has been refined through on-board testing with First Bus and, with this phase now complete, is being launched to the wider bus and coach industry.
Ticketer Driver Connect: enabling smarter, connected communication
Leveraging the Ticketer TK300’s in-built microphone and speakers, and operating over 2G mobile signal and above, Ticketer Driver Connect removes the range and interference limitations of traditional radio technology while eliminating the need for additional hardware, costly installations and radio licence fees.
In addition to the cost and clarity benefits, Driver Connect offers three core components – two-way voice calls, targeted voice messaging and text messaging – which also provide enhanced capabilities and more targeting precision than radio technology currently facilitates.
The two-way call component includes both standard and priority levels to support faster response in critical situations, alongside optional call categorisation to enable more efficient triage — for example, routing engineering-related queries directly to the appropriate team.
Voice and text messaging allows control room teams to target communications by driver, vehicle, service or depot, with intelligent delivery features such as auto-play and playback available, ensuring messages are received and acted upon at the right time. Active and expiry dates can also be set,-ensuring no key update is missed, and drivers can respond via free-text or pre-defined messages.
Early impact across the industry
First Bus have played a key role in trialing Ticketer Driver Connect during its beta phase, helping to shape and refine the feature ahead of its wider release to the industry. Following the successful trial period, early feedback has highlighted clear improvements in day-to-day communication and operational efficiency.
Building on this success, Driver Connect is already gaining traction across the industry. The feature is currently being trialed by a number of Ticketer operators such as Oxford Bus Company, Transdev and Go Coach to name but a few, as demand grows for more sophisticated, flexible and cost-effective alternatives to traditional radio technology.
Well positioned to meet these evolving needs, Driver Connect is set to deliver significant impact – redefining how control rooms and drivers stay connected on the road.
Adam Toone, Chief Operating Officer at Ticketer, comments: “We’re delighted to have successfully launched Driver Connect with First Bus. The feedback we’ve received so far has been incredibly positive, and this milestone marks an important step in bringing a more sophisticated, capable and cost-effective communications to the industry, as well as another milestone in what’s been a longstanding partnership with First Bus.
We’re excited to see how Driver Connect continues to create value for operators as adoption grows across the market.”
For further information, please contact:
Mercedes Llewellyn
mercedes.llewellyn@ticketer.co.uk
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