Dispatch SOP 011: Pullout/Start of Shift

Purpose 

This procedure provides information for dispatchers, or other appropriate transit agency staff, to best use the CAD/AVL system for common issues occurring at pull-out or at the start of a shift. The process covers shift preparation, checking-in and/ or changing operators on Pullout and monitoring operator departure, monitoring pull-out alerts and pre-trip inspections, and changing buses assigned to runs.  

Operational Impact and Metrics 

Operational Impact: The CAD/AVL system streamlines a number of common pull-out dispatch tasks and helps identify and address problems to improve on-time performance. By having access to the pullout grid, yard maps, operator information, vehicle status information, and various monitoring alerts, dispatchers can make quick adjustments to best support on- time pull-outs. 

Metrics: On-time pull-out % 

Definitions

Frequency

For all pull-outs for every shift 

Positions and Responsibilities 

Implementation of this SOP is primarily the responsibility of dispatchers or whichever transit agency staff are directly responsible for assigning drivers to buses, assigning buses to routes, and successful pull-out from the operations side.

Supervisory personnel should be familiar with these procedures to support the dispatchers.

Vehicle Operators responsibilities at Pull Out/Start of shift are covered in the parallel SP-020-01. 

Procedure

Dispatcher Shift Preparation 

1. Log into ETMS and open the Launch Dispatch card to launch Operations 
2. Review vehicle to run/operator assignments – make adjustments if necessary  
3. Assign vehicle to operator using yard map tools, if configured 

Check Operator In 

1. Evaluate operator “fit for duty” 
2. Check-in operator using Pull Out tab using the check in column  
   • •  System will automatically date and time stamp check-in  
3. Provide operator with run/route assignment 

Change Operator  

1.  From Yard Map Grids screen drag an operator from the Extra Board to desired route; or 
2. Select new operator from operator drop-down menu on route  
3. Notify operator of new assignment 

Monitor Pull-out Alerts - For Out of Ordinary Circumstances

Events Alerts if Configured:

1. Operator check in alert 
2. Operator CAD/AVL log on alert 

If Configured to Populate in Events Queue/Tab:

1. Operator on-time pullout alert  
2. MDT diagnostic alert (MDT internal communication failure, maintenance interface) 
3. Vehicle defect alerts 
4. Test fail alerts 
5. Take necessary action per work instruction   

Monitor Pre-Trip Inspection Process 

1. Monitor CAD/AVL system for failed pre-trip/ DVIR inspection issues 
2. Assist operators with DVIR Inspections issues (possible Maintenance attention)  
   • Assign operator new vehicle when necessary  

Monitor Operator Pull-Out 

1. Monitor vehicle operator departure times 
2. Change bus assignment for issues (before scheduled pull-out) if needed to ensure on-time pull outs
   • Operator reports issue or defect via MDT or by calling dispatch/ maintenance
   • For maintenance review

Change Vehicle Assignment (if necessary)   

1. Review list of available vehicles or review yard map for available vehicles 
2. Use drop down menu to assign or drag and drop available vehicle from yard map to replace (reassign) vehicle to run and operator. 

Supporting Documents

Related SOPs 

1. SP-001-01 Planner – Schedule Data Management and Implementation 
2. SP-012-01 Dispatch – Route Monitoring/Operator Relief  
3. SP-013-01 Dispatch – Pullin/End of Shift 
4. SP-014-01 Dispatch – Investigating Issues with Replay  
5. SP-020-01 Operation – Pull Out/Start of Shift 
6. SP-030-01 Maintenance – Pull Out/Start of Shift