Arriva Transport Solutions implements telematics

Arriva Transport Solutions (ATSL), a provider of specialist health and social transport services has implemented a telematics solution from Masternaut into its fleet of patient transport ambulances.

The system has resulted in a 92 per cent reduction in driving events such as harsh braking, acceleration and cornering in a six month period. Patients now have a smoother, safer journey.

ATSL transports over 4000 vulnerable and often elderly patients to and from their medical appointments daily, so patient comfort and experience are priorities for the non-emergency patient transport service (NEPTS) provider.

Using the Masternaut Connect platform, ATSL has upgraded its capabilities to monitor driver behaviour using Masternaut’s ecoDrive module. Using Masternaut Connect ecoDrive across its fleet of 480 ambulances in the UK, ATSL has been monitoring driver behaviour for all drivers across Greater Manchester, the East Midlands, West Midlands and South West of the UK, as well as London.

The use of an in-cab light bar has been alerting drivers to events that indicate poor driving, giving them immediate feedback to improve vehicle handling and safety. Should this not result in an improvement in driving standards, ATSL can consider whether drivers need additional training.

Arriva Transport Solutions managers have also been able to educate drivers on the negative impact of idling on the fleet estate, which has since dropped by 70%. Combined with reducing harsh driving events, this has led to a reduction in fuel costs for the business.

Steve Law, head of fleet and estates, Arriva Transport Solutions said: “As a provider of patient transport services in the UK, Arriva Transport Solutions needs to make sure that the experience we offer our poorly and often elderly patients is a high quality one. Our drivers are highly skilled and undergo extensive training for their role but they are now more aware than ever of their driving behaviour and how this can positively, or negatively impact patient experience.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the in-depth information provided by Masternaut Connect, which is helping us to track assets and give detailed reports on driver behaviour criteria. We were one of the first companies in the UK to use the system and we’ve really seen the benefits of telematics. Not only does it help tracking vehicles but it crucially for us, improves the patients’ experience of the service we provide which ultimately impacts on their wellbeing.”

Martin Hiscox, CEO of Masternaut, added: “Telematics can be used for so much more than simple vehicle tracking. As we’ve seen with ATSL, it can be used to create a smoother experience for patients when using its services to and from hospital appointments. Through driver feedback, both immediate and through driver training, ATSL has seen a significant reduction in harsh events, which will only help to further improve patient wellbeing already experienced on the service.”