Is your agency struggling to trim the budget without sacrificing service quality?

Mobile data terminals (MDTs) are in-vehicle technology that serves as a communication hub between dispatch and the driver by providing a steady flow of mission-critical data, information such as vehicle location, mileage, passenger counts, and more.

While MDTs require an upfront cost to implement, this hard-working transit solution can not only help your agency transform operations but also achieve long-term cost-savings. Let’s discover how MDTs are transforming public transportation.

How MDTs Can Save You Money

While MDTs cost more than a commercial tablet, implementing a rugged MDT purpose-built for the harsh transit environment is an investment in your agency’s success. Compared to the cost of lost productivity from faulty or damaged tablets, an MDT will save you money in the long term.

Optimizing Fuel Efficiency

Data from the GPS technology contained within an MDT can help transit agencies understand how to create more efficient routes. More efficient routes reduce travel time and fuel consumption, which also improves the environmental impact of your operations.

Reducing Maintenance Costs

Keeping vehicles in good working condition and safe for drivers and riders is a top agency priority. MDTs can monitor vehicle performance and trigger an alert if a vehicle needs maintenance. This helps agencies avoid mechanical malfunctions on the road and can potentially extend the lifespan of a fleet.

Lowering Administrative Costs

Paper manifests are time-consuming to manage as they require daily auditing, and any manifest change requires a heavy lift to correct and distribute the new information. In addition, manual paperwork is prone to human error that could throw off schedules and disrupt an agency’s day. With MDTs, drivers receive manifests directly from scheduling and dispatching software, including any changes made by dispatch.

Minimizing Staff Overtime

When routes are optimized and the accuracy of schedules is improved thanks to data provided by MDTs, transit agencies can assign resources better and improve the rider experience. When operations are running smoothly, staff overtime is minimized.

Cutting Costs, Boosting Efficiency with MDTs

MDTs aren’t just fancy gadgets. They’re money-saving machines that help agencies improve service delivery and operational efficiency. Implementing in-vehicle technology isn’t just about saving dollars. It’s about creating a more responsive, high-performing transit network that serves communities better.

Ready to learn more? Talk to TripSpark and let’s have a conversation about transforming operations with mobile data terminals.