Technology and Telematics

Maynes Coaches have selected Tom Tom Webfleet to track our vehicles in real time, reduce fuel costs and improve driver efficiency.

In the coach, our drivers benefit from top of the range satellite navigation, with drivers driving style given advice to improve efficiency and smooth driving, the system identifies routes appropriate for the size of vehicle and will calculate, or re-route vehicles using TomTom HD Traffic information, the system collects tachograph data from the vehicle and analyses every coach and driver in our fleet to comply with drivers’ hours.

The system also monitors driver behaviour, acceleration, braking and several other parameters, giving information to the driver allowing him to drive the vehicle in the most efficient way, and produces reports on vehicle fuel consumption, the time the vehicle has spent idling and CO2 emissions.

The system also has full camera integration allowing us to view the journey live in our office as well as give alerts due to drivers driving style or any time a pre-set parameter is exceeded. We worked closely with TomTom to create an API to allow the Distinctive Driver App to run on the screens which are fitted to the vehicles, to allow the drivers to report defects and carry out the electronic check on our equipment.

TomTom Webfleet tracks our vehicles in real time, reduces fuel costs and improves driver efficiency. For clients this exciting new development allows them to know exactly where our vehicles are with a personal log in and can provide accurate ETA’s. We can also, with APIs, have a complete overview of our fleet while they are out on the road, giving us instant knowledge on our vehicles whenever we request it.

Maynes Coaches have also engaged TruTac, the compliance experts, to provide TachoAnalysis, TruTime and TruLinks software modules to deliver complete compliance control. The combined systems seamlessly manage digital and analogue tachograph analysis; driver monitoring and debriefing, infringements and working time; online compliance reporting, document storage and several web-based, fully automated tools to ensure tight control across the operation.

We have worked closely with TomTom, TruTac, Alcolock and Distinctive Systems to develop with API networking system that sees us join up all our compliance systems to work together, all our tachograph data is now sent from the TomTom unit direct to TruTac and then to our system here in our Buckie office. We can see live the actual driver’s data here on the TomTom screen. We are also able to instantly create reports on distance, driving time, remaining drive time, time till the next rest period begins as well as all other vehicle specifics like fuel, speeding patterns and driving style. The system also allows us near live footage from forward facing camera, in case it is needed for any reference.

These systems have been added to our ALCOLOCK™ V3 ignition interlocks and further driver safety principles to ensure our drivers are safe, trained and compliant on the road. The alcolock system is engineered to withstand vibration, dirt, dust, humidity and extreme temperatures typically found in commercial applications. A driver must provide a successful breath test before the engine can be started. All testing information can be uploaded, where it can be stored, tracked and used to generate reports.

Thus it is demonstrated that a cohesive collaboration of technology has allowed Maynes Coaches to become more efficient and eco-conscious. These systems have continued in their development through the Pandemic and have been consistent in aiding operations by providing instant and contactless feedback with our management staff.

These systems are simply a small part in why we are the name to trust in travel and why when traveling #themayneway , we have you covered.

Maynes Coaches utilise Distinctive Systems, the provider for our main operational systems. These are the Coach Manager and VMS software that runs within our engineering and office teams.

Prior to the pandemic, Maynes rolled out the Walk-Around-Check Apps, Electronic Job Cards and also more digital driver monitoring to improve efficiency within the company. The working schedules and mapping of routes are also done via our digital system making the entire operation more efficient, more catalogued, increasingly compliant, and eco-friendlier as we are drastically reducing the paper and ink usage in the company, as we work on cutting our carbon footprint. Currently in development are electronic work tickets, job updates and driver allocations app and be completely digital. We will also have an operational client portal, which is currently launching where clients can pay online, track their coach or even send live feedback through their own personal portal. This is aiming to provide an easier way for clients to get their necessary work done without being restricted to phone calls and emails. This system is currently active within our Maynes Holidays division.

The Distinctive Systems software has also enabled us to have a paperless record of our Covid Secure Cleaning and Safety regimes by being modified by our office team to record activities such as deep cleans, regular sanitisations and fogging. Our goal with this was to maintain the safety of our staff and passengers whilst sticking to our environmental goals.

We have continued our association with Distinctive systems and added tour updated coach managers systems the (VMS) Vehicle Maintenance System management package specially designed for coach operators. The system is in daily use providing defect reporting, statutory inspection planning, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activity management, job cards, history recording and workshop control. VMS streamlines the whole process and helps ensure records always meet the required standard. VMS has been validated by the DVSA for the Earned Recognition Scheme and therefore provides an excellent platform for us to drive towards the Earned recognition Scheme.

We also have adapted the Distinctive systems Driver Walk-around Check Mobile App within the TomTom system on the screens, the award-winning Driver Walk-around Check Mobile App is fully integrated with VMS and complies with all statutory walk-around check and defect reporting requirements. The app makes it easy to ensure drivers comply with their statutory duty to carry out a daily walk-around check and report any defects found. It guides the driver through the complete process for performing the walk-around check. Against each item to be checked the driver can touch a green button to say it is OK, or a red one to report a defect.

We also utilised the Distinctive Systems ‘TBS’ system to manage our holidays operation, which allows our staff and our clients to book holidays and seats on excursions live on the system. This allows customers to book at their own leisure, from the comfort of their own home via their smart device or of course still have the option to book through our friendly, experienced admin team.

When a defect is found the driver can choose from a list of predefined common defects or enter a free type description. Up to four supporting photographs can also be included. The completed walk-around check results include the date and time it was carried out, the time taken to complete it, the vehicle distance reading and the GPS location at which it was done.