in case u have noticed, a new blue console have recently popped
up next to the IDFC on many SBST buses. since no one posted tis, i
wish to enlighten forumnites on tis system, which is known as the
Automatic Vehicle Monitoring System (AVMS). the console itself is
known as the "DDU".
the purpose of tis system is essentially to replace timesheets. but
dun get me wrong, timesheets are not confirmed to be extinct, but
wat it does is something like an e-timesheet. when the bus is ahead
of or behind schedule by a preset no. of minutes, the system will
beep to inform the driver to adjust his driving speed to match his
schedule. a high-pitch annoying beep indicates ahead of schedule
(pls slow down); a low-pitch soft beep indicates behind schedule
(pls drive faster).
the timesheet stored in the system is automatically updated via
WLAN at the interchanges/depots when the drivers start duty and it
draws data about the vehicle's current location from IDFC, which is
linked up to the GPS system (which is also used by the IDFC).
note that the DDU itself does not communicate with the GPS but
relies on the IDFC to supply it with the full details including
fare stage, bus stop code, door state (open or closed). it onli
communicates via WLAN with the IDFC and to download timesheet
details from the starter office.
the system's long-term goal is to provide accurate arrival time of
buses at bus stops (can recall the name "SBS OnTime" system?)
regardless of traffic conditions.
tis system is expected to be up and running from 3rd quarter,
2005.
