SAVINGS: Thamesdown (not shown) adopt WheelRight
Swindon-based bus operator Thamesdown Transport are set to save thousands of pounds in fuel after adopting an innovative new tyre pressure monitoring system by WheelRight.
The new automated system, installed at the company’s depot, uses algorithms to process the data as the tyre rolls over it to calculate pressures.
To check tyre pressures, Thamesdown’s maintenance team drive the buses over a flush mounted device embedded into the road that contains highly sensitive sensors.
Within seconds of driving over the monitoring strip, a series of calculations is carried out, with real-time pressures sent directly to the fleet manager, via text or email.
After a seven-month, full-scale trial, Thamesdown are predicting savings of £33,000 per year in tyre pressure checks, puncture avoidances and fuel and tyre cutbacks.
Dave Spencer, Head of Engineering at Thamesdown, said: “With this new technology, our passengers can be assured of even greater safety on the road.
“More consistent tyre pressure monitoring will improve braking performance on our buses, reduce the time needed for tyre maintenance and improve the efficiency of our fleet.
“This smart piece of kit has also been proven to spot punctures before buses even leave the depot, thus enabling us to change or repair tyres before they become a problem on route.
“This has reduced the number of instances where we’ve had to attend buses in the event of unexpected tyre failures, which in turn has reduced disruptions to our services.
“Adopting the WheelRight system also reduces our impact on the environment, saving fuel, cutting CO2 emissions and reducing the number of tyres sent to landfill early.”
John Catling, CEO of WheelRight, added: “Having conducted a full scale trial lasting seven months, we have some really robust data on the practical implementation and performance of our technology.
“Clearly, the management team at Thamesdown has seen the benefits that our solution can bring to their business.
“It’s satisfying to see our partnership with Thamesdown come to fruition and make a real difference to the day to day operation of this pioneering bus company.
“Their ethos of continuous improvement and willingness to embrace new ways of working has contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the WheelRight system at the Swindon depot.”
The WheelRight solution can be adopted by car fleets, HGV fleets and retail businesses.
