Overview
Live Map is our web-based map designed for customers. Many features included are based on customer feedback we received. Open this card and use it to monitor vehicles in service in real time, similar to the Operations Map, though Live Map also provides some unique enhanced features. Live Map can be open, in its own browser, while also monitoring Operations in the dispatch office. Enhancements include integration with Google Maps, advanced search capabilities and map navigation tools, and real-time vehicle information sharing similar to online myStop® tools, all to empower you to make well-informed decisions that support your operational efficiencies.
Communications Demo Video
Press to 'play' video
Press to use the 'fit the screen' feature
Live Map Location
Enhanced Map Features
- Identify charging opportunities on the map: The map displays locations where buses can charge, helping the company plan efficient charging schedules.
- Identify electric vehicles (EVs): The Live Map distinguishes EVs from other vehicles, allowing for fleet-specific considerations.
- Continuously monitor state of charge: The Live Map provides real-time updates on the state of charge for each EV, ensuring optimal utilization and reducing the risk of running out of power.
- Directly message operators for prioritizing charging: Communicate with operators to prioritize charging over schedule adherence when necessary, improving overall fleet efficiency.
- Schedule view for vehicle: View the next three stops and departure times.
- Communication Tools: Use messaging features for VoIP, canned and data messages, closed and open mic functions with vehicle operators on the Vehicle Card or in the Communications panel.
- Disruption Tools: Use built-in Decision Support and Incident Management features for unexpected disruptions; such as needed vehicle swaps, cancellations, adding Platoon and/ or Helper vehicles and documenting accidents.
- Route Ladder: This built-in link allows you to review route level details, which is particularly helpful for monitoring headway service routes when vehicles are bunched or gapped.
Re-Authenticate Feature
IMPORTANT: In software versions of 10.2 and up, a reauthentication feature is included in ETMS. This feature maintains Avail's SOC2 compliance, while removing the 'timed out' condition noted in earlier software versions. *Earlier software versions include a 'time out' function, which is enabled after 30 minutes of inactivity.
The reauthentication window will appear if you step away from your workstation for more than 30 minutes, prompting you to re-authenticate your session when you return, by simply entering either your password or PIN. Your ETMS session is resumed, removing the need to login to ETMS again and navigate to where you were previously. If the reauthentication dialog remains open for 2 hours without action, the session will be automatically closed.
- If you navigate using the browser's back or forward buttons while the dialog is open, the popup will remain visible, and navigation will proceed as expected.
- If you refresh the browser tab while the reauthentication popup is active, you will be logged out.
Using Live Map
Open Live Map to begin. This map is populated with information based on selections you make in the menus located on the left. The search allows you to quickly locate a vehicle or a stop on the map, select routes, stops, dense traffic areas, vehicle types (fixed route, maintenance, paratransit, supervisor), vehicle fuel types (gas, hybrid, diesel, etc.). Use the RESET button to remove any map selections you chose. The map goes back to default view, clearing any data displayed.
When you open Live Map, begin by using the menu on the left to populate the map with the routes and vehicles you plan to monitor.
Menu Options.
When viewing routes on the map, each vehicle's icon also shows its current heading/direction.
Below, we see that several routes have been selected to display for monitoring service.
Bus Number Bubbles: If there are several vehicles in one spot, the map will show a bubble with the number on it indicating the number of vehicles clustered together in that location. This makes it easier to quickly see at-a-glance where there is a high density of vehicles in a particular location. Clicking on the icon quickly zooms into that area to view the individual vehicles' icons.
Stop Card Information
The stop information card will show the list of all the routes that share the stop. Each stop is color coded, indicating the number of routes that share the stop. Below, we selected the stop at the Transit Center, which is serviced by all routes, thus it's rainbow colored.
Stops that are serviced by only one route display in a singular color. Stops that service two routes will display in two colors. Stops that are serviced by more than two routes will display a rainbow of colors.
Vehicle Card
You can simply select a vehicle on the map to display its card. Each vehicle card will display varying information, based on the vehicle type, and service type: charge alerts, bus bunching/ gapping issues for headway routes, passenger load - use these prompts to assist you in determining any corrective actions needed to get service back on track. You'll also see the next three stops the vehicle is scheduled to service. EDT is the estimated departure time.
Notice the links on each card for easy access to your communications and use of disruption tools: Decision Support, Incident Management, and for any vehicle communication needs. These built- in tools support dispatch workflow efficiencies.
The Follow/Unfollow button allows the user to follow a specific vehicle for closer monitoring. This button toggles between Follow/Unfollow. When following a vehicle, the map will pan and adjust to continue following this vehicle’s route. Press 'Unfollow' to stop following the selected vehicle.
Follow a single vehicle (map will pan and track singular vehicle)
Unfollow (stop following a singular vehicle)
Headway Bunched Alert
Using the link to Route Ladder allows you to focus on the vehicles servicing a headway route, to determine vehicle spacing issues and to best ensure evenly distributed ridership boarding opportunities.
Example - Vehicles 604 and 605 are too close together on route 90. Notice the link to go back to Live Map.
Trip Start Status
See the Live Map Legend for definitions of all the Live Map icons, including different fuel types, alerts, and stops.
Vehicle Charging Stops
Charging stops are shown on the map with a black plug displayed in the middle of the icon:
Clicking on the Charging stop on the map will show the information card for that stop with the same charging icon at the top left corner of the vehicle card.
Location of vehicle requiring a charge:
If the charge is too low on an electric vehicle you can alert the vehicle operator. Select the button on the Vehicle's card and select ALERT THE BUS DRIVER.
Vehicle Charging Status
Communications Dock
Clicking the Comms icon in the upper right opens the communications menu for use: Comms Queue, Queued Messages and Message History will display in separate tabs when opened.
Use the menu to select the communication type. Closed mic systems, open mic systems, VoIP systems (voice over internet protocol) and data messages to and from vehicles in service, road supervisors, etc., are all available here.
Active Messages
Queued Messages: These are messages that are queued to send later for a specific date/ time. The Active tab shows active queued messages and the Expired tab shows only expired messages. You can copy or edit messages here.
Expired Messages
Emergency Alarm Event Handling
In the event the driver presses the EA button an Emergency notification is displayed on the Live Map screen.
After the emergency alarm is acknowledged, the emergency event will show in the Events log. Right-clicking on the event allows dispatch to Take, Release, Log, and make a Covert Call ( if configured for the agency).
After acknowledging the emergency alarm, the Dispatcher will take the EA, which sets the blinking time colon on the MDT to a solid state. After Dispatch takes the EA they can initiate a covert call or choose to log the EA. If a covert call is initiated, the solid time colon on the MDT will disappear, indicating the vehicle is in an actively monitored covert call. The colon will return to blinking after the covert call has ended and the alarm has been logged. You can use the right-click function to manage communications, too ( as noted in the right screenshot below).
High-level workflow steps for events
Voice/VoIP Calls
To place a voice call to the vehicle, use the Voice Call button to select one or two-way communications. One way calls are typically used to broadcast a message that doesn't require a response, two-way calls are for conversations. Select how long you want the line to be open for the call. Then choose the group for the call. When you press 'CALL', the call connects and you'll see the status of the connection. The time set for the call determines when the call will expire. Allow enough time when setting up the call to accommodate this. When the vehicle operator hangs up, the call to the vehicle is ended, opening the line for any other calls you need to make.
For the recipient there are several options to select from: fleet groups, vehicles, operators, runs, and routes. This gives you the ability to broadcast the call or text message to groups of recipients if necessary.
Voice Call Duration can be set up so that the calls timeout. It makes sure the radio doesn't overheat and become damaged.
The Search section allows you to search for specific recipients. The search results will update dynamically, using pattern matching, as you make entries in the search field. Users have the option to clear the search query and revert to viewing all available recipients.
After selecting the Recipient, Call Type, Duration and Group, you can click the Call button to place a call.
Managing Text Messages
Messages in the Communications panel have been sent via the MDT, (mobile data terminal) used by vehicle operators. Vehicle operators have access to preset messages they can send in by simply pressing a button when the vehicle is stationary.
Use the Text Message tab to select recipients to send data messages to. You will also determine the response type needed: does the message require an acknowledgement? Is it a 'yes/no' response type? Do you just want to send a message that doesn't require an acknowledgment? After creating the message, you'll press send. You are also able to use canned text messages here, to save you time, if they have been created on the Canned Messages tab.
Let's open a PRTT communication request ( Priority request to talk- closed mic/ VoIP):
RTT messages are routine requests to talk to dispatch. These are lower priority messages when compared to PRTTs. Respond accordingly, using the similar workflow as for PRTT messages. Communications can be managed from the communications panel or from a vehicle card.
Communications Dock: Create messages from here. Notice you can also use the right-click function to respond to messages in the Comms Dock. Locate message, right- click on message, then respond accordingly.
Or simply open a message in the queue, then use the built-in options to respond. We opened a PRTT message. The Vehicle Card displays for your reference, and the communication features display in the menu, as highlighted: Voice Call, Send Text.
Auto Response
Do you use closed mic and need to step away from operations momentarily? The Auto Response link in the top right corner of the communications panel opens Auto Response and allows you to select the Talk Group and Call Duration and enable it. VoIP calls do not include a duration option.
Talk Group: Select talk group or use default setting
Call Duration: Set the auto-response duration.
Take, Release, Log Communications
Dispatchers manage communications sent to and received from vehicles in service, to acknowledge them and follow up with any necessary actions, as part of their essential workflow/supporting vehicle operators on the road. When these communications are handled and logged they are filed away to reporting (in Business Intelligence Operational reports).
How do they work? Dispatchers use the Take, Release and Log buttons in the Communications panel to acknowledge and finalize communication events. These buttons are located near the bottom right of the Communication panel. These button features mimic the workflow used on the Operations Map, with a new look and feel.
Canned Messages
Create Canned Messages on the Canned Messages tab in Operations. These are a great time saver, since you can create them, save them, then use them anytime for your messaging needs; instead of re-typing messages you may use often, saving you valuable time.
Select the link to review the article about Canned Messages here: Creating Canned Messages
Store and Forward Messages
The Store & Forward checkbox in the Messages panel allows you to create a message now to send later. Use the date and time pickers to set this feature up.
The Edit button allows the user to select a date, time, if it's recurring and what day of the week to repeat it.
The system will store this text message until the selected vehicle is available. Messages will be delivered during the time window if vehicles are online.
After clicking Send, the message will pop-up saying the message was sent out successfully.
Decision Support Tools
Decision Support tools are easily accessible on each Vehicle card for ease. When you select this option, the Decision Support screen will open. This is useful for canceling service, adding or swapping vehicles for the route, and more. For more information about Decision Support, click the following link: Decision Support Tools
Incident Management Tools
Incident Management tools are easily accessible on each Vehicle card for ease. When you select this option, the Incident Management screen will open. This is useful for accident reporting needs on-the-fly. For more information about Incident Management, press the following link: Incident Management
Route Ladder Tools
Route Ladder tools are easily accessible on each Vehicle card for ease. When you select this option, the Route Ladder will open. This is useful for reviewing route level vehicle details, or issues such as bus bunching/ gapping issues for headway routes. For more information about using Route Ladder, select the following link: Route Ladder
Map Layers
There are a couple of additional layers that can be added to the map. One of them is a traffic overlay. Checking the Traffic checkbox will show busy areas highlighted in red. See Live Map Legend for more detail.
The toggle button switches between a standard street map and satellite imagery.
Submitting feedback to Google: Feature located near bottom right of map screen view
Supporting SOPs
Dispatch Route Monitoring SOP 012
Additional Related Articles
Headway Service- In Vehicle Operations
Managing Fleets, Vehicle & Capacities