National Express rolls out real-time coach tracking

System sends location, onboard temperature and driver details back to the head office

Transport operator National Express (NE) is to roll out onboard tracking to its entire fleet of UK coaches next month.

The system was trialled in 2010 as National Express introduced new Volvo coaches to its fleet. Information on the coaches' location and onboard temperature, plus details of how it is being driven, is beamed via satellite to the NE head office and key coach stations in the UK.

NE said the technology helps it to keep track of its vehicles, re-routing them where necessary. Passengers at stations on the Stansted to London route are able to stay up to date by checking screens that carry real-time information on coach arrival times.

The company's UK coach division also plans to develop a new booking platform in conjunction with its Alsa sister business in Spain.

"During 2011, new applications will deliver more real-time information to customers through information screens, internet and mobile channels," the company said in its full-year results statement.