Stagecoach UK

Stagecoach adopted the IDARO solution to assist its drivers in communicating seamlessly with each other, and its central depot with a simple push of a button.

Before Stagecoach adopted its new IDARO communication system, its drivers were using consumer messaging systems to keep in touch. This meant that drivers had to pause their journeys to relay urgent information.

With a transport network covering a vast area of the South East of England, 1,300 staff, operation of 439 buses, which over a course of a year, travel 18 million miles on the roads of Kent and East Sussex. Stagecoach needed an innovative communication solution that would be reliable enough to support each driver day-in, day out, with minimum interruption to journeys, and without distracting drivers from their duties.

Stagecoach deployed the IDARO Tele M5 device that connects to mobile phone network allowing users to stay in constant contact. The Telo M5 allow drivers to quickly contact each other, and the depot with a push of the button, no longer needing to make and receive telephone calls, program telephone numbers, or answer the phone while driving.

One of the benefits the IDARO devised is the versatility. Drivers can use in their vehicle as a phone if circumstances require, but they also benefit from the simple ease of using push to communicate during normal operations – much like a regular 2-way radio but with the connection of a mobile phone.

The devices also carry key features traditionally associated with 2-way radios, such as group calling and emergency calling.

For a transport company, GPS location tracking is another clear benefit. And because the majority of Stagecoach vehicles travel within areas with good cellular coverage, the system is highly reliable over long distances.

Now, it has realised the power and value of IDARO’s push to talk solution that can be affixed to the vehicle to ensure the devices are not lost or stolen.

Mobile vehicle mounts allow the radio to be affixed to an inconspicuous area, while drivers are issued with remote speaker microphones (RSMs) for true hands-free operation. This allows them to communicate immediately about incidents without stopping their vehicle.

For the company deploying the Telo M5 equipment, there is a simplified deployment process, since this IDARO solution does not require a 2-way radio license.

Seamless team communications is the logical choice for any company that needs to keep users in touch over a wide area at low cost. The IDARO solution can operate globally, while remaining entirely private providing always-on instant communication with other team members, wherever they happen to be.

Danny Millis, Operations Dircetor at Stagecoach said;

“IDARO has enabled us to contact our drivers far more easily, which has brought all sorts of safeguarding benefits to them and made them feel far more secure in their work. The controllers are really happy with the immediate response to issues that are out there, whether it be breakdowns, whether it be roadworks. With the radios in place, now it’s instant communication. They are not limited to certain areas, and they’re not prone to dropping out with signal.

We introduced IDARO at our Thanet depot initially, and it was so successful and so popular with our staff that we’ve decided to roll it out with our other operating locations.”