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A radio frequency identification (RFID) system that tracks 380 public transit buses in Montreal has enabled bus depot managers gain unprecedented visibility into individual vehicle activity.

RFID readers at departure and arrival points enable managers to more accurately determine when a bus is scheduled to arrive at a terminal.

The system also enhances process management through a reporting feature that records which units are often tardy or have to undergo maintenance.

Such an RFID system, says one expert, can provide similar vehicle management benefits to a much smaller fleet.

Size is not an issue, according to Pierre Malboeuf, president of Eminencia Group, a technology integrator that led the RFID tagging of some 380 buses belonging to the Montreal Transit Agency.

"These benefits can absolutely be applied to a much smaller organization with even just five or 10 vehicles," said Malboeuf.

The system, he said, could potentially be used to improve visibility and logistics of distribution centres, delivery or courier services, rental agencies or maintenance crews.
RFID tags contain microchips and tiny radio antennas that send signals to electronic readers. The chip can contain unique identifying numbers or data associated with the item being tagged

In its simplest application, RFID tags can enable fleet attendants to discover –from their desks – if a vehicle is parked in the yard or is being used.

The system can also be configured to trip an alarm if a vehicle is moved from a designated area without authorization.

"With readers installed in the yard, operators can immediately determine if vehicles are where they are suppose to be at a certain time," Malboeuf said.

More sophisticated tags can also contain other kinds of data, such as maintenance schedules, service history, or use restrictions.

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