Use this option when a vehicle is falling behind schedule to the point where service might be missed. Helper Vehicles help get service back on track. The helper vehicle is dispatched to a stop ahead of the regular vehicle to continue on-time service. In the meantime, the regular vehicle completes service to the end of its trip and can then drop one or more trips as needed to get back on schedule.
Choose Helper Vehicle: Select a replacement vehicle in the drop-down.
Choose Helper Operator: Select an operator to drive the replacement vehicle.
Choose Helper Start Location: Select helper vehicle’s start location. Select the block and trip it is helping with and the stop location (optional).
Message to Original Vehicle: Enter a message to the vehicle that is getting help. Make sure to select either No Ack, Ack Required, or Yes/No so you can see the operator’s response to the message.
Message to Helper Vehicle: Enter a message to send to the vehicle and its starting point. Make sure to select either No Ack, Ack Required, or Yes/No so you can see the operator’s response to the message.
Incident Type: The incident type will default to the selected Decision Support action, but you can still change or select the incident type from the drop-down. There are several options available to choose from. Staff can also subscribe to email or text alerts for the incidents or the event. To use this feature, the personnel account must include alerts and types.
Reason Code: Select a reason code from the drop-down menu. There are several options available to choose, depending on what Type was selected the user will be able to pick appropriate reason code.
Title: Write a short title of the message/description.
Description: Enter a short Description.
Click Submit.
System Adjustments: Account for the increase in service by entering a positive adjustment on your system adjustments calendar in DataPoint in the Operations product suite. This helps your agency account for the additional service provided via a Helper vehicle, which increases what is originally scheduled:
Example Below: