Use this option when a vehicle is nearing capacity. Operations ( dispatch) can add a Platoon vehicle to provide additional seating for the trip. Assign a Platoon Tripper to a trip where the revenue vehicle on the trip is nearly full. The additional vehicle can run ‘nose to tail’ with the other vehicle. This vehicle adds more seating for the trip, and additional revenue time, but it does not change the block’s deviation. Adding additional vehicles to scheduled service pieces should be included as a system adjustment, to account for the additional time against reportable NTD metrics.
Choose Platoon Vehicle: Select a platoon vehicle in the drop-down menu.
Choose Platoon Operator: Select an operator to drive the platoon vehicle.
Choose Platoon Start Location: Select the platoon vehicle’s start location. Select the block, trip and the stop location (optional).
Message to Original Vehicle: Create a message for the original vehicle, so the operator is aware. 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 Platoon Vehicle: Enter a message for the platoon vehicle. 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. You can also subscribe to receive an email or text alert for the incident or the event. To use this feature your personnel account must include alerts.
Reason Code: Select a reason code from the drop-down. 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 Platoon vehicle, which increases what is originally scheduled:
Example Below: