Telematics for buses previously went by the name of Omniplus BusFleet. Telematics systems supplier Daimler FleetBoard GmbH has now assumed responsibility for the supply and ongoing development of the bus-specific telematics system for urban and inter-urban buses and touring coaches. Fleet operators are keenly aware that transparency is crucial to effective management in the interests of an economically efficient transport company. The bus-specific FleetBoard fleet management system provides effective support here. The FleetBoard app for buses is a boon for fleet operators while their vehicles are out on the road. The new application for the iPhone or iPad will shortly be available free of charge from the App Store.

Fully equipped buses from Mercedes-Benz and Setra can be factory-fitted with the FleetBoard system throughout Europe. Retrofitting is alternatively possible – also for other makes of bus. Various bus companies are currently working successfully with FleetBoard and making extensive use of the telematics system in daily bus operations.

The fleet manager is able to call up each vehicle's current location or monitor trip progress in detail at 30-second intervals by means of a digital map. The map can be switched between a road view and a satellite view, or a combination of the two can be selected. In addition to the positions of the bus concerned, important tour events, warnings and status messages are also displayed. The geofencing function enables specific arrival and departure areas to be defined: apart from providing resource planning information on bus and driver, this also serves as a vital security feature in the event of theft.

Companies can optimise their economic efficiency with FleetBoard, as the right driving style can reduce both fuel consumption and wear by up to 10%. FleetBoard interprets driver- and vehicle-related data by reference to marks awarded for driving, according due consideration to the given degree of difficulty. Vehicle speeds, engine speeds, heavy braking and other information provide an objective basis for conclusions on the driver's handling of the bus. Evaluations provide the bus driver with feedback about appropriate ways of improving his driving style and ultimately also making his journeys safer.

The available data provides precise information on when and where the bus was stationary or in motion. The company can reliably determine whether the doors were open or closed. In response to passengers' inquiries, it is possible to reconstruct precisely on the basis of this information whether a certain bus was actually ready for boarding at the bus stop at a given time, for example. Equally, bus operators can produce data on usage of the door ramp for people with restricted mobility.

The driver is able to transmit standardised messages to his headquarters by means of defined message buttons. Conversely, the company can also send messages to the display in the instrument cluster on board the bus.

The Time Management service enables optimum planning of work times on the basis of drivers' current rest times and remaining driving times. The relevant data can then be transmitted automatically to a payroll accounting system. FleetBoard enables the mandatory driver card downloads to be carried out from the bus at any time and from any location. FleetBoard additionally enables remote transmission of the mass memory data from the digital tachograph on board the bus. This has a major time-saving and cost-cutting effect, in particular when buses are absent from the depot for prolonged periods.

All key bus operating data, such as mileage or tank fill level, are displayed via FleetBoard. Selected warnings are additionally transmitted from the vehicle. In this way, swift and well-aimed repairs are possible. The transmission of additional vehicle signals enables use of the retarder or the operating times of the auxiliary heating to be evaluated, for example. On the basis of these data, conclusions can be drawn on the condition of the vehicle and, in turn, on economic or comfort aspects. FleetBoard enables fleet operators to plan impending services and time-specific vehicle checks in an efficient manner.

The vehicle data are recorded via a standardised FMS interface in the bus. Prior to transmission, the data are stored on board the bus in the FleetBoard vehicle computer. Data transmission takes place via GPRS to a central FleetBoard server. Registered FleetBoard users have secure access via the internet to the bus client containing all the data and analyses.

Daimler FleetBoard GmbH is a Europe-wide market leader in telematics systems for vehicles. The company's terminals and systems are designed for fleet managers, distribution managers and drivers of truck, bus and van fleets of all makes spanning all sectors of industry. FleetBoard has been established for many years now as the fleet management system for enhanced economy and transparency. User-friendly technology assists drivers in their daily work. The 100% Daimler subsidiary headquartered in Stuttgart is a DEKRA-tested and -certified company in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9000. By 2010, more than 75,000 vehicles belonging to 1500 customers had been fitted with the FleetBoard system since its market launch.