Stagecoach becomes first UK bus operator to invest in roll-out of bridge alert technology

Credit: Stagecoach

UK bus operator Stagecoach has announced the successful completion of one of its key safety enhancement projects. In partnership with Greenroad, the bus operator is the first in the UK to roll-out new low bridge detection functionality across its nationwide fleet of double decker buses, equating to more than 4000 vehicles.

The £4 million project will strengthen existing measures in place to prevent bridge strikes and build on Stagecoach’s use of the driver safety and fuel efficiency system.

Using a simple traffic-light-like LED system on the dashboard, the new system gives drivers instant feedback about their driving manoeuvres, encouraging smoother, safer, more fuel-efficient driving that is more comfortable for passengers.

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The intelligent system will use GPS vehicle location data and mapping services to alert the driver of nearby low bridges. If the technology determines that the bus is heading towards a low bridge, it will sound an in-cab alert, allowing a safe exit route that avoids the bridge.

“The project team, in partnership with Greenroad, have worked incredibly hard to achieve this milestone and I am proud of this great achievement and the benefits it will provide to our employees and customers,” said Carla Stockton-Jones, UK Managing Director of Stagecoach. “Everything we do starts with safety: for our customers, our people, pedestrians and other road users. Buses are already one of the safest forms of travel. But every year we invest millions of pounds in training our professional driving team and new technology to make our public transport operations even safer.”