TranAir™ (Automatic Mobile Phone Dispatch)

TranWare is the only fully featured Taxi Dispatch system available in North America with the capability to provide automatic digital dispatch and integrated GPS tracking over standard, readily available cellular phones.

TranAir™ leverages the latest java and GPS technology available in Motorola cellular phones from Nextel, Telus Mobility and Southern Linc to bring digital dispatch and vehicle tracking within reach of even the smallest transportation companies.

Unlike text messaging or email, TranAir™ is fast and reliable due to the use of true two-way high-speed packet data technology. Using TranAir™ is simple and very straight forward. Simply purchase off-the-shelf compatible phones for your fleet, (most are under $50.00) activate a packet data plan on each phone, then load the TranAir™ java application onto each phone.

TranAir™ works in conjunction with the TranWare Enterprise Dispatch system, so that trips booked in TranWare are dispatched directly to your drivers, without the need for voice communications. Basically, TranAir™ provides the functionality of an expensive MDT (Mobile Data Terminal) at a much lower cost. The speed of TranAir™ is impressive, taking only 1 or 2 seconds to send complete trip details to a driver and receive an acknowledgement back. Every transmission is confirmed in both directions, providing a high degree of reliability.

Drivers may accept or reject trip offers, load and complete trips, query zone activity, send and receive messages and a wide range of other functions in simple one-button key presses.

Benefits of TranAir™

	Reduces driver frustration in "chasing dispatch"
	Reduces voice traffic by over 80%
	Decreases dispatcher workload by a minimum of 40%
	Reduces post administrative processing by over 50%
	Increases driver and vehicle productivity
	Reduces errors that can occur with written and verbal communications
	Simplifies administration
	Drivers are not tethered to the vehicle, therefore they can be dispatched and can update their job status even while away from or outside the vehicle
	These devices are typically subsidized by the cellular companies, making the capital cost outlay substantially less than purchasing an MDT solution
	Units are available that meet military specifications for shock and vibration for extended reliability, such as the Motorola i355 pictured below
	Because public cellular networks are used, coverage is superior to traditional radio-based MDT systems
	Small to medium taxi companies that do not have their own spectrum can still reap the benefits of automatic computer aided digital dispatch
	Portable units are easier to replace in the event of failure or theft and do not require installation
	Obsolescence is not an issue. If the original product purchased is discontinued, it really doesn't matter because new improved products using the same global data standards will be available to replace it at a low cost
	Wireless data substantially extends the coverage area for a taxi company over what they would have with a two-way radio system. Wireless data will automatically retry if the vehicle is in a poor coverage area, until it gets through
	Drivers do not not have to stop and write down information, saving time
	Drivers can update their status with a single button press, indicating whether they have "Accepted" the assignment, are "Loaded", or the trip is "Cleared"
	Drivers can book into a specific zone, request their current status, query how many trips and vehicles are available in each soon, request a soon-to-clear, book busy for a flag, receive messages from dispatch, send canned messages to dispatch and a number of other high-level functions
	Dispatchers and Call Takers can observe the status of jobs on a real-time basis. This improves customer service as customers can be given more accurate ETA's. Dispatchers are able to make more informed decisions about which vehicle and driver to assign a ticket to

Requirements of TranAir™

1. Portable Wireless Phone

A suitable wireless phone should be first chosen that meets your needs for coverage, durability and battery life. The unit should offer always-on packet data capability and have a display large enough that drivers can easily read. Finally, your voice requirements should be considered. If the unit will also be used for occasional voice communications, it is recommended that a unit be chosen with push-to-talk voice capability.

2. Packet Data Service

In order for the TranWare system to be able to send and receive data to and from the phone, it must be subscribed to a packet data plan for a wireless carrier. Costs per month for this service typically range from $12.99 to $35.00 per month.  This would include java capable iDEN phones, such as those from Telus Mobility's Mike network and Nextel's network, java capable GPRS phones from AT&T networks and java capable CDMA 1X phones from most other national carriers. 

 

3. Optional GPS Mapping

To fully extend the power of your TranWare system, you may add TranTrac™, automatic vehicle tracking, which uses the GPS capability already built into compatible phones listed above. GPS allows the location of your fleet to be tracked real-time, enabling dispatchers to make highly informed decisions about the most efficient vehicle assignment alternatives. TranTrac shows not only the live movements of your vehicles on a street level map, but also color codes their status -whether they are clear, assigned or loaded. In addition, TranTrac shows the location and color coded status of the pickups (trip locations)

4. Optional Taxi Meter and Credit Card Interface

Industry leading Centrodyne Meters are now fully integrated to TranAir, allowing the Nextel or Telus phone to be plugged directly into the Model 610/620 Meter. This allows meter on/off and fare information to be electronically passed through the phone to the TranWare system at the office. Credit card swipe can also be added to the meter, which will send credit card information to the TranWare Card Processing Module at the office. An authorization number is then sent back to the driver's phone via TranAir.