The automotive supplier ZF convinced the first and at the same time essential Asian customer of its telematics platform Openmatics: Being one of the largest public transportation authorities worldwide, “The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited" (KMB) of Hong Kong ordered 50 units of the open, manufacturer-independent system.
State-of-the-art software and hardware, many possible extensions due to the app concept, suitable for city buses from different manufacturers, and the proven competence of the ZF team: These were the main reasons why KMB opted for Openmatics. The innovative telematics system consists of an on-board unit for every vehicle and a central, web-based portal which communicate with each other. To start with, KMB uses three specific Openmatics applications that bring decisive advantages for fleet operators in the Asian metropolis.
By means of a driver feedback system, the "Driver Feedback" app immediately points out unwanted driving modes - like, for instance, when exceeding speed limits, over-revving the engine, long idle times with the engine running, or aggressive accelerating and sudden braking. With this app, the driver can constantly check his driving style and correct it, resulting in smoother driving. This not only increases passenger comfort but also prevents accidents.
Furthermore, "Driver Feedback" reduces fuel consumption and considerably decreases maintenance costs.
At the moment a further application, which will improve passenger information, is in test. The app will constantly send the current GPS data of the city bus to the central, automatic bus stop announcement system. Based on this information, the system decides exactly whether to make an announcement, where and when.
Using the customized "KMB Raw Data" application, the public transportation authority can record digital data every second, such as vehicle, driver, and environment; this data can then be used for assessment and archiving. In the near future, joint development teams of KMB and ZF will develop numerous further apps.
The system has been tested in six vehicles for about one year, and soon, the KMB fleet will be using Openmatics in everyday operation. Employees of ZF Hong Kong were involved in testing right from the beginning - and are still available to support KMB: They are, among other things, responsible for installing the 50 onboard units and serve as direct on-site service partners.
The telematics platform Openmatics is the result of a strategic alliance between the ZF Group and the Intel Corporation. Since the system can be used in city buses from all manufacturers, it is especially useful for mixed fleets with buses from various manufacturers.