Nottingham City launches Tait voice and data system

Nottingham City Transport launches Tait voice and data system

13 March, 2012, Christchurch, New Zealand

Nottingham City Transport (NCT), UK, has launched a new voice and data communications system for its bus network designed and manufactured by Tait Communications.

The UK subsidiary of New Zealand-owned Tait joined forces with Init Communications to install a voice and data radio system on the bus network in the Midlands city. The system allows vehicle location and Real-Time Passenger Information to be communicated via a TaitNet trunked radio network to NCT’s control room.

Bus drivers can control the radio and parts of the Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system from one unit. With the AVL data, NCT control-room staff can receive current information, anticipate potential delays and inform specific drivers to alter services as required.

At the same time, the city-wide dedicated radio voice channel means drivers can communicate directly with control-room staff at any time. Historical data can also be collected by an on-board information system to identify trends in delays and provide insight into time-table scheduling, further helping to improve reliability and punctuality of services.

Frank Owen, Managing Director of Tait Communications, said with 30 percent of the company’s export demand coming from Europe, the region was a very important market.

“This contract continues our strong growth in the last two years, which has been driven by our focus on designing and delivering critical communication solutions for public safety, utility and transport organizations around the world.

“We are looking forward to future export opportunities in Europe as Tait evolves to provide managed services, delivering increased value to customers, internationally and domestically, on a long-term basis.”

He added: “Our growth aspirations will benefit the Canterbury region and the wider New Zealand economy in the post-earthquake reconstruction period, with increased jobs and revenue.”

David Astill, Commercial Manager, Nottingham City Transport, said the Tait Communications solution will help NCT further increase bus patronage and cement its reputation as England’s least car-dependent city.

“Tait’s communications solution helps support more than 50 million passenger trips every year. This integrated system will improve reliability and punctuality of services, as well as optimise fleet operations and reduce operational costs.”

Tait Communications successfully implemented and tested a radio communications system for London Buses in 2009.

As part of the $19 million contract, Tait replaced London Buses’ existing obsolete radio network with a new TaitNet trunked radio solution designed and manufactured at the company’s Christchurch headquarters.

ENDS

About Tait Communications
Tait Communications is a global leader in designing, delivering and managing innovative communications solutions that help utilities and public safety organizations to keep the lights on and communities safe.

Radio communications is at the heart of our business. We provide world-class turnkey solutions for challenging environments from the Gobi Desert to South American jungles, from highly populated cities to vast rural communities.

Every day, in over 150 countries and supported by an extensive network of global facilities, thousands of customers benefit from the Tait way of working: commitment to listen, courage to act and integrity to deliver what's promised.

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