ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - March 15, 2011) - RouteMatch Software, Inc. (www.routematch.com) today announced its support of the Samsung Galaxy Tab notebook/tablet, expanding its portfolio of diverse mobile offerings. The announcement highlights RouteMatch's commitment to providing leading-edge wireless applications and alternative in-vehicle hardware devices to transit agencies.
"Transit agencies want to stretch their funding dollars when evaluating their mobile computing and vehicle tracking options," said Tim Quinn, Executive Vice President of RouteMatch Software, Inc. "In-vehicle devices have historically worked well for many transit agencies due to their rugged design and support of vehicle peripherals such as automated passenger counts and annunciators. However, a much less expensive Samsung Galaxy Tab can deliver automated data collection, mobile communication, in-vehicle navigation, and emergency response capabilities at below one-third the cost of a traditional mobile data computer. We're re-thinking how consumer technology can be used so transit agencies can bypass large upfront costs. The innovation and competitive pricing of mobility solutions consumers have enjoyed are now brought to transit."
RouteMatch applies deep industry knowledge, work flow, and customer feedback to bring best-of-breed mobile software and hardware solutions to transit agencies. The Samsung Galaxy Tab builds on RouteMatch's current mobile devices offerings including the RIM BlackBerry Curve 2, the Sprint HTC EVO, and seven additional transit-specific mobile data computer products.
"At Arrowhead Transit, we like to stay up to date on current technology," said Allan Hill, Information Systems Technology Specialist, Arrowhead Transit (AEOA). "The Galaxy tablets are more advanced than the dedicated mobile data terminal (MDT) hardware we were looking at, and we expect to be able to upgrade to new devices much more quickly than we could have had we chosen to use dedicated MDTs. We anticipate that any necessary software updates will be faster to develop and easier to install for the tablets than for the MDTs."
Utilizing the Android operating system, RouteMatch's wireless development team has configured the Samsung Galaxy Tab to provide important electronic manifests, automated vehicle location (AVL), electronic communication, and navigation capabilities. These features deliver definitive paths for simplifying overall mobile dispatching and vehicle management. Examples include collecting passenger, trip, on-time performance, and route information in real-time. The pre-configured Samsung Galaxy Tabs also assist drivers with odometer monitoring, capturing billing information, GPS-vehicle tracking and vehicle health monitoring.
Since the Samsung Galaxy Tab is not fixed-mounted in the vehicle, drivers can remove the device from the docking station to perform other advanced functions such as pre- and post-inspections.
"We expect to get more utility from the tablets than from dedicated MDTs," said Hill. "The ability to remove tablets from the vehicles will be a plus, as our drivers will be able to do their pre-trip inspections entirely without paper. We also anticipate the possibility of using other software on the tablets -- for example, taking photographs in the event of an accident, or even videoconferencing with dispatch and safety staff at the office."
The Samsung Galaxy Tabs' wide screens and graphical "touch and go" user interface make it easy for drivers to quickly view information. Installation of the device with mounts can be performed within minutes, and downloads and upgrades can be conveniently managed over the air, reducing the need for intensive, hands-on maintenance.
"Cost savings were a huge factor in our decision. We will purchase these devices for a fraction of the cost of the MDTs that we considered. In this time of reduced budgets and rising fuel prices, the importance of such savings speaks for itself," said Hill.
About RouteMatch
RouteMatch is the leading provider of integrated, end-to-end transit ITS software and solutions. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, and its software is currently in use at more than 325 sites in 48 states across the US and internationally. The company has experienced one of the fastest growth rates within the industry in the past four years. Targeting private and public sector passenger transportation providers, the company's products address routing, scheduling, dispatching, billing, reporting, fixed route CAD/AVL, Paratransit and fixed route integration, flexed-route deviation, business intelligence, traveler information systems, transportation coordination and more. Additional information about RouteMatch's ITS technologies are available at www.routematch.com or by calling RouteMatch toll-free at 1-888-840-8791.
Contact Information:
Media contact:
Daisy Wall
RouteMatch Software, Inc.
P: 404-876-5160
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