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BSOG cuts underpin the need for fuel-saving fleet management solutions
22 November 2010
With reductions in the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) announced under the Government's comprehensive spending review set to cost bus operators £300m by 2014-5, the need for efficiency-driving, fuel-saving initiatives has never been greater. Despite this, research conducted by MiX Telematics suggests the large majority of bus and coach operators have yet to equip their fleets with proven, fuel-saving fleet management technology.
"The bare facts of the matter are that if implemented correctly, fleet management solutions save fuel and money – there's no doubt about it whatsoever," says Steve Coffin, Marketing & Operations Director for MiX Telematics. "What's more, when introduced together with a planned programme of driver development, the benefits realised can be sustained over the longer term, resulting in an overall reduction in fuel consumption across the fleet of between ten and 15 percent. To date, we know that our Fleet Manager solution alone has saved the UK passenger carrying industry in excess of £12m."
"And these are not idle claims; we have increasing numbers of operators willing to bear witness to the benefits which can be achieved. Anglian Bus and Coach, for example, has reported an overall fuel saving of more than ten percent, while for Go-Ahead London, a major user of our Fleet Manager solution, is now saving £3.5m a year on fuel.
"Moreover, the benefits of fleet management solutions do not stop there – a reduction in wear and tear, fewer accidents and greater driver and passenger satisfaction are also among the benefits our customers tell us they are achieving with our Fleet Manager solution.
"In simple terms, the decision of whether or not to fit a fleet management solution today is a no-brainer. As part of our service, we provide operators with information and projections on the levels of savings they could achieve using our Fleet Manager product, which are always substantial. And once they have committed, we provide an on-going consultancy service to ensure the maximum benefits are being achieved, day-in, day-out. It's a win-win situation and in our view certainly the best way for any operator to help minimise the effects of the forthcoming BSOG cuts."
