21st Century reports that Euro Bus Expo 2018 was its busiest one yet, with the Smart-Vision solution attracting a lot of interest.
The system of high-definition digital cameras and internal monitors give drivers vastly improved visibility by removing blind spots, enabling the driver to look ‘over their shoulder’ while still looking at the road ahead and with intelligent on-board software removing glare from direct sunlight and headlamps. Visitors to the 21st Century stand could instantly see the safety benefits of the Smart-Vision CMS.
Russ Singleton, 21st Century’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “The SmartVision CMS generated a lot of interest at Euro Bus Expo. It is an important step towards TfL’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate death and serious injury involving buses.
“It is already being offered as an option on new vehicles from UK manufacturers and we are currently pursuing the certification required for retrofit programmes.”
Whilst the conversion to CMS Wing Mirrors may shortly be mandated in areas such as TfL, the interest sparked at Euro Bus Expo indicates that many operators will be looking to make the switch even earlier as, not only does the system significantly improve safety by giving the driver a better field and higher quality of vision, but the operational savings on lifetime costs could also be significant.
Smart-Vision was not the only product that visitors were interested in. The brand new Journeo Next Stop Announcement solution was also launched at the NEC show. The system not only displays details of the vehicle’s route on monitors in the vehicle, but the display is also able to show images from the on-board CCTV, ensuring that operators are able to keep investments in on-board hardware to a minimum, whilst maximising the benefits that can be achieved from a single display.
Next Stop data is always clearly displayed on the screens, with audible announcements also accompanying the visual information, to ensure that all passengers have equal access to this important information.
Russ Singleton concludes: “Not only did we see a lot of interest in these two exciting innovations, but we also had lots of enquiries from operators looking for technical solutions to particular problems that they were experiencing.
“It is testament to the skills and reputation of our technical team that they are able to develop bespoke solutions and if necessary invent products that don’t currently exist, for the benefit of all our customers.”