Operators will log in at the start of their shift and use the MDT to record DVIR (if configured) and standard pre-trip vehicle inspections, view their work schedules, then log off at the end of their run. The system automates the playing of ADA announcements, changing the destination on the Headsign, changing route and trip information on the farebox, and reporting delays to dispatch. However, there are additional miscellaneous functions that the MDT facilitates.
Touch the button in the menu bar on the top of the MDT to access the menu screen that is shown below. The menu screen allows you to perform specific functions, control announcements, and change the mode of operation.
Headsign button
The button provides access to the same controls that are available on the Headsign control unit. Operators can enter new Headsign numbers to override the values that myAvail provides. Additionally, use this screen to enter PR (Public Relations) codes for display. Rarely, operators might use this feature to change an incorrect destination display.
The middle panel displays the name of the headsign manufacturer, which for this example is Twin Vision.
Fares button
The button will be visible and enabled depending on the vehicle fare system configuration.
Card Info button
The button will be visible and enabled depending on the vehicle fare system configuration.
Go-To button- The GO-TO button will be visible and enabled depending on the vehicle fare system configuration.
Maintenance button
Pressing the button provides access to a variety of maintenance functions and displays all issues that the in-vehicle system detected during the start-up process.
HINT: Maintenance staff can also use this button to access a 'maintenance login', to test vehicles on the road in real-time, without capturing the data as revenue service.
Pressing the Errors button from this screen displays an internal error list that is used for diagnostic purposes only. The Admin button is password protected and provides access to myAvail’s technical configuration for the vehicle. Only your Maintenance department, IT group, and Avail Support staff can access the Admin features.
The maintenance screen provides access to the Issues, Errors, and Admin buttons.
- Press the
button to display any problems found during system startup diagnostics tests. This list is identical to the issues displayed at logon and should be reported to dispatch or Maintenance if any problems are listed.
- Press the
button to display a list of internal errors that may have occurred. This error list is used for troubleshooting purposes only.
- Press the
button and enter the maintenance password to open the Maintenance Admin screen.
Setup button
Press the button to adjust the MDT screen volume and screen brightness.
For newer vehicle systems with Xenarc agnostic MDT screens, the Setup screen appears:
The Screen Volume control allows the operator to adjust the volume of the clicks and alerts on the MDT. This volume control does not adjust the volume for safety announcements. See the operator adjustment of the Internal Announcement Volume.
The MDT has a feature that automatically switches the MDT screen brightness between daytime and nighttime modes. The operator can override this automated setting by using the Setup screen. This may be necessary, for example, if the outside lighting conditions change due to weather conditions or lighting at vehicle locations.
Use the /
button to toggle the screen brightness.
- If the
button displays, the screen brightness is in the Night/Dark brightness mode.
- If the
button displays, the screen brightness is in the Day brightness mode.
In addition to Day/Night mode, operators can use the physical buttons - instead of the touch screen buttons - on the display encasement to dim or brighten the screen.
For older vehicle systems with mSlate MDT screens, the Setup screen appears as shown in the image below. The Screen Volume control is the same as above, but the brightness control can be changed in increments of -10, -1, +1, and +10.
Logoff button
When an operator has completed their shift, logging off the vehicle's MDT is required.
Logging off signals to the myAvail system that the operator has completed their current Run work piece. Even when performing a split shift, it is important to inform the system that the first shift has been completed.
For example, there may be both a morning and an evening shift each day. Logging off the morning Run ensures that the next operator on the vehicle will log on with their ID. This in turn ensures that dispatch knows that the new operator is on that vehicle.
Additionally, the system informs dispatch that the vehicle has completed the work piece. This lets dispatch know that that vehicle is available for the next Run, or that it can be reassigned if necessary.
There is a report available to management that tracks the time of log on and log off by operator and run.
To log off:
1. Touch
2. Touch
3. Touch on the next screen to confirm
Trip Select
Trip Select allows operators to manually adjust the current trip. myAvail uses the day of week, time of day, and schedule data to calculate the vehicle’s current trip. However, if the vehicle is significantly off schedule, added mid-run, or misses the stop at the end of a trip, the system trip calculation can select the incorrect trip. While this problem is rare, it requires operators to manually select the current trip to correct the system.
Use Trip Select when the MDT displays the incorrect trip, but double-check to ensure you select the right trip.
To change the trip:
- Press the
button. The MDT will display a screen similar to the image below, with a list of Trip buttons.
TIP: In the list of trips, an asterisk indicates the currently system-selected trip. - From the list of trip buttons, press the button for the trip that you want to select. The MDT will then go to the Home screen, which should correctly indicate the trip you selected.
TIP: Schedule data and stop configuration errors are the likely culprits behind repeated trip errors - even when the trip error does not always occur. When you notice the trip is incorrect at the same place multiple times, record your vehicle number, the time, and route, and report it to your dispatcher.
Audio and Modes buttons
See Audio: Halt Announcement and External Speaker Settings and Vehicle Modes to learn more.