Moving Melbourne forward
600 buses, one system:
Ventura’s
‘Push To Communicate’ transformation
Over 34 years have passed since Consat’s innovative system for public transportation was launched. In May 2023, the integration into Ventura’s fleet of buses in Melbourne, Australia was successfully completed. This initiative aimed to provide fast, reliable, and clear communication support for 600 buses.
Project overview
Partners:
Ventura and Consat Telematics
Location:
Melbourne, Australia
Objective:
Enhance communication support for municipal bus traffic
Integration:
Consat’s innovative system integrated into Ventura’s fleet
Benefits:
Fast, reliable, and clear communication for 600 buses
Completion date:
May 2023 (6-month project)
The challenge:
Outdated systems, limited visibility
Operating municipal bus traffic in Melbourne, Australia since 1924, Ventura Bus Lines legacy digital two-way radio system was reaching end of life and had a hard deadline for replacement. In addition Ventura needed a system that covered daily operations, live CCTV, fleet management, passenger information and electromobility support.
Teaming up with Consat Telematics marked a crucial step forward in expanding the key functionalities of their buses through the ”Push To Communicate” project.
“Ventura needed a system that covered daily operations, live CCTV, fleet management, passenger information and electromobility.”
The solution:
Fast-tracked innovation in action
The “Push To Communicate” project involved the fitment of buses with the Consat onboard computer, driver display, PTC speaker and microphone, a new central system hosted in the cloud, data import from Austrics and several external integrations including to the TIMS fuel system.
The first bus was installed and connected to the new central system within three weeks of signing the contract. To ensure a rich set of data for all vehicle types (diesel or electric) in one place with all “trip context” information provided Ventura the added benefit of accurate and independent reporting to the PTA. It also enabled deeper analysis of operations, to drive efficiencies.
Core functionalities
- Push To Communicate (PTC)
- Real time traffic information and monitoring (AVL/CAD)
- Automatic Passenger Counting
- Passenger Information System
- Fleet management
- Electromobility
- External integration to the TIMS fuel system
- Onboard vehicle computer, driver display, PTC speaker, microphone and a new central system hosted in the cloud
Working as one:
A partnership that delivers results
The integration of Consat’s innovative system into Ventura’s municipal bus traffic in Melbourne marks a noteworthy advancement in the evolution of public transportation. Through collaborative efforts with Consat Telematics, the ’Push To Communicate’ project extended bus functionalities, delivering reliable communication support for 600 buses.
“The Consat system has allowed Ventura to maintain a competitive advantage”
– Hayden Matthews
Planning & Development Manager at Ventura Bus
The results:
Public transportation that thinks ahead
Fast deployment
Specific customisations were delivered in drops over the course of the retrofit program. This approach enabled the project to be completed in the timeframe required. Further the approach meant a ‘fast start’ to the project, the time from contract signing to the first bus installed and connected end to end was just 3 weeks.
Increased safety
Increased communication network coverage for buses increased safety for drivers and improved operational
visibility and support for the Operations and Control Centre (OCC).
An ecosystem
The standard and open interfaces of the solution also enabled integration to other systems in the Ventura ecosystem.
Data insights
The rich set of data for all vehicle types (diesel or electric) in one place with all “trip context” information provided Ventura the added benefit of accurate and independent reporting to the PTA. It also enabled deeper analysis of operations, to drive efficiencies.
In summary:
A more connected network
Completed in May 2023, the ”Push To Communicate” initiative not only showcases Consat’s global-standard solutions but also underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in public transportation.
Improved passenger experience.
Higher levels of service to passengers, enhanced safety for drivers and passengers.
A safer environment for the driver, and a local presence
Reduced operational expenses for Ventura.