Bus travel in Australia and New Zealand is entering a new era of precision and efficiency with an innovative Turn By Turn Bus Navigation System, delivered by NEC Australia, a trusted global provider of smart technology solutions, in collaboration with HERE Technologies, a leading location data and technology platform. This groundbreaking system addresses both common and complex navigational challenges, empowering bus operators and drivers to deliver safer, more reliable bus journeys for commuters.

This advanced navigation solution significantly reduces driver training time, streamlines onboarding, and improves both driver retention and operational safety. Specifically designed to meet the specific requirements of bus operators, the purpose-built system takes into account bus dimensions like length and height, allowing operators to input and update routes in real time. This ensures adaptability to changes in road rules, routes, and restrictions, minimising wrong turns and route deviations.

Currently, the Turn By Turn Navigation system is being rolled out in over 1,000 buses across Australia and New Zealand.

Sachin Thukral, Head of Partner & Alliances of Asia Pacific at HERE Technologies said, “Australia's diverse and complex road networks require precise and adaptable navigation solutions. By working closely with NEC Australia on the Turn By Turn Bus Navigation System, we’re bringing HERE’s expertise in location technology to the forefront, enabling bus operators to navigate these complexities with greater confidence and accuracy.

“This collaboration is more than just about improving routes – it’s about enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of public transport across Australia, ensuring that both drivers and passengers experience smoother and more reliable journeys every day.”

NEC’s Head of Smart Transport ANZ + Global Centre of Excellence Lead, Mark Messenger, commented on the impact of the Turn By Turn Bus Navigation system:

“Bus operators often grapple with driver shortages, drivers needing to memorise complex routes, and costly errors occurring when drivers accidentally take unknown routes and find themselves in situations where vehicles are unable to safely navigate those routes. These issues can significantly jeopardise safety, on-time performance and customer satisfaction.

“The Turn By Turn system directly addresses these challenges by providing enhanced driver support, improving on-time performance, reducing operational errors, and providing safer, more efficient services to customers. This innovation not only makes journeys safer and more efficient for drivers, but also delivers better outcomes for transport authorities and operators, and ultimately, commuters.”

Key Benefits of the solution:

• Customised Navigation: The system offers fixed or portable navigation devices tailored to the unique dimensions of buses, ensuring drivers avoid routes unsuitable for large vehicles. It dynamically plots and sends safe routes, detours and diversions to drivers, providing quick updates that minimise wrong turns and route deviations.
• Improved Driver Support: The system identifies and integrates critical data, such as on-time points and thresholds, restricted roads, and speed restricted areas (e.g. school zones). This significantly reduces driver training time, helps attract top-tier drivers and improves driver retention, ultimately reducing service cancellations and operational failures.
• Boosted Operational Efficiency: By monitoring bus speeds and delays with alerts, the Turn By Turn system keeps buses on schedule, ensuring timely arrivals and departures. This focus on punctuality enhances customer satisfaction and reduces complaints.
• Enablement for Emergency Services: Beyond public transit, this technology is also critical for emergency services, providing real-time information that helps emergency vehicles reach their destinations more quickly and efficiently, improving response times and safety in critical situations.

NEC has made significant investments in developing AI-driven solutions as part of its mobility platform, while partnering with leading global solutions providers like HERE Technologies, a pioneer in mapping and location technology for almost 40 years to drive innovation in smart transport solutions.