Reading Buses re-affirms its commitment to MiX by Powerfleet

Birmingham, UK – 14 May, 2018 – Following the successful operation of a three-year telematics contract, Reading Buses has renewed its commitment to MiX by Powerfleet for a further three years. The new contract spans a total of 197 buses operating throughout Reading and the greater Berkshire area, including 21 new vehicles recently introduced into service, and 500 drivers.

"We found the MiX by Powerfleet solution simple to use and it helped us promote a safer and more fuel efficient driving behaviour amongst our drivers; that's why we like it," says John Bickerton, Head of Engineering and Innovation for Reading Buses. "The way in which it operates is easily communicated to staff, and with a 59% reduction in harsh acceleration and 14 percent reduction in harsh braking events the system has proven itself thoroughly over the past three years – and our mystery travellers 'smoothness of driving' score is now at an all-time high.”

All vehicles in the Reading Buses fleet leverage MiX by Powerfleet’ premium Fleet Manager solution and the optional in-cab driver coaching unit, MiX Drivemate. In addition to measuring and monitoring driver and vehicle performance, the system provides a vehicle health check service and battery status monitoring.

"These additional features are invaluable to us," says John Bickerton. "The vehicle health check service monitors CAN events and provides us with instant email alerts if parameters such as engine temperature, low oil pressure and low coolant levels are exceeded. These insights enable us to respond proactively by bringing vehicles into the workshop before they break down and putting out replacement buses to cover for them.”

Reading Buses also uses the telematics data to determine where additional training is required. This is offered through the company's own Driver Academy, or by the driver's union or a driver champion, or at the regular driver clinics held by MiX by Powerfleet's specialist consultants. Bus drivers are further supported by the MyMiX Driver app, which allows them to access their performance records via a smartphone and compare them to those of their colleagues. More than 400 Reading Bus drivers have signed up for MyMiX.

Richard Adams, Sales Director MiX by Powerfleet (Europe), adds, "We are delighted that Reading Buses, one of the UK's highest profile and most innovative bus operators, has chosen MiX by Powerfleet once again as its telematics solution provider.”

“Our twin telematics objectives are to generate operational benefits and enhance the overall customer experience, and MiX by Powerfleet has enabled us to achieve significant progress in both areas,” says John Bickerton.