&1J4~ - City of Glendale
&1J4~ - City of Glendale
&1J4~ - City of Glendale
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<strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Glendale</strong><br />
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Dispatching Computer System<br />
In 1994 management made the commitment to invest in computerized scheduling and dispatch<br />
technology. Several computerized dispatch system!l were available that, at least at first look,<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered the same basic services. G&S investigated both types <strong>of</strong> systems that were available:<br />
computer aided dispatch systems; and, automated scheduling and dispatch systems. The former<br />
using the computer to keep track <strong>of</strong> information, the latter capable <strong>of</strong> dispatching a trip directly from<br />
the reservationist's input. Because <strong>of</strong> the sophistication <strong>of</strong> the automated system, implementation<br />
costs are significantly ~i_gher.<br />
It should be emphasized that implementation and optimization <strong>of</strong> a computer dispatching system is<br />
a very involved process requiring great commitment in personnel, planning and implementation<br />
processes, resources and investment. Full optimization requires a very real change in the entire<br />
culture <strong>of</strong> the organization. G&S elected to fully incorporate technology and become a leader in this<br />
regard .<br />
• Fully Automated Dispatch System<br />
This method distinguishes itself from the computer aided dispatch system because it requires less<br />
dispatcher intervention and because communication between the "system" and vehicles is done<br />
digitally using mobile data terminals. Much <strong>of</strong> the communication is done without any prompting or<br />
interaction by the dispatcher. As an example, when the driver picks up a passenger, the driver<br />
records that action by depressing a designated function key on the Mobile Data Terminal (MDT).<br />
This in turn sends a "data burst" to the computer recording the time the passenger was picked up.<br />
This information is invaluable when assessing the system's effectiveness. Similar action by the<br />
driver records drop <strong>of</strong>f time and other relevanti ,n"fo" r"m"a"t"io"n". _______________ -,<br />
• Automated Dispatch with GPS<br />
This combination <strong>of</strong>fers a transportation<br />
service provider the ultimate tool in delivering<br />
efficient and effective transportation. The first<br />
feature <strong>of</strong> this system is a map <strong>of</strong> the service<br />
area that physically shows the location <strong>of</strong> the<br />
vehicles as they progress through the day.<br />
The vehicles are "polled" every twenty<br />
seconds. This means that the map is redrawn<br />
giving the dispatcher the new location <strong>of</strong> tile<br />
vehicle, average miles per hour and direction<br />
vehicle <strong>of</strong> travel.<br />
The dispatcher can identify the exact location<br />
<strong>of</strong> any orders for service that have not yet<br />
been dispatched. Once this order has been<br />
identified, the dispatcher has a visual<br />
representation <strong>of</strong> exactly what has to be done.<br />
This reduces the time the caller has to wait<br />
and as important, reduces the time spent<br />
aboard the vehicle.<br />
The second feature <strong>of</strong> the DDS system is<br />
using the vehicle location information in<br />
dispatching algorithms. This feature is very<br />
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