The Application of Computer Aided Despatch and Mobile Radio Data Transmission in the Control of Large Fleets of Vehicles 852281

Historically, the prime application of mobile radio has been to provide a "stand-alone" two way voice communication link between a base station operator and the vehicle.

More recently however, the application of modern computer technology has made the integration of the mobile radio system in the total fleet management system, a practical proposition resulting in increased flexibility, improved operational effectiveness and provision of features and facilities that were not available before.

To illustrate these developments, this paper describes a large transport control system, which is designed to manage a fleet of up to 2,000 vehicles. This is achieved using a computer control graphics display system in the fleet operations centre which is linked to the vehicle by high speed digital radio data transmission.

In addition, a highly accurate automatic vehicle location/monitoring facility which is an integral part of the system, greatly enhances the operational capabilities.