Alberta Co-Op Taxi Makes the Transition to Mentor Streets® Software and Mobile Data Computers
Written by Mentor Engineering
Wednesday, 04 April 2007
In 1993, Co-Op Taxi became Mentor’s first client in the taxi industry,
when they began using MDTs in their fleet. This was the beginning of
their 15-year working relationship with Mentor Engineering.
Because Co-Op Taxi uses software developed in-house, “it was important
to find a vendor who could program the terminal to work with the
software—not the other way around,” says Connie Loeder, Assistant
General Manager at Alberta Co-Op Taxi. Mentor worked with Co-Op Taxi to
create a system that worked with its existing technology. “I did a lot
of research to see what would work with our software, but other
companies just sold you a package, and what you see is what you get,”
says Connie.
Co-Op Taxi has a long history of innovation in the industry.
In 1981, they became the second taxi company in North America to
computerize their fleet. In the time since, the company has grown to
include more than 500 vehicles and 850 drivers, answering more than 3
million calls a year.
Co-Op Taxi used MDTs for 13 years, well beyond the devices’
anticipated five-year life span. Ron Boulton, National Product Manager
of Mentor’s Taxi Division, says: “The fact that Co-Op Taxi continued to
use the MDT technology is a testament to the longevity of our
technology and support suite. We stand behind our older devices, so
organizations can keep using the technology that meets their needs.”
But eventually, parts availability made it necessary to retire
the MDTs, and Co-Op Taxi upgraded to Mentor’s MDCs. “Getting all the
equipment in place took about four months,” says Connie, “but there was
almost a year of prep work with Mentor before that.”
“Organizations can install these systems in phases, helping make the
transition affordable,” says Ron. “Besides, upgrading a fleet of more
than 500 vehicles is no small task.”
Seven months before the move to MDCs, Co-Op Taxi had started
using Mentor’s Streets for locating vehicles during emergencies. Says
Connie: “When a driver’s in trouble, the first thing he does is radio
dispatch. We’ve set up our radios and Streets so we can always find him
fast.”
The MDC features an integrated GPS receiver, credit- and
smart-card reader, and automates data collection. MDCs integrate with
industry-specific host software and support a wide variety of
peripherals, including keyboards, barcode readers, and more. The MDC’s
ability to interface with almost any network means an organization can
continue to use the data connection that works best for them.
Ron says, “We look forward to working with Co-Op Taxi for another 15 years, and beyond that.”
About Mentor Engineering
Founded
in 1988, Mentor Engineering designs and manufactures flexible mobile
computing and AVL solutions that increase the efficiency and
productivity of fleet operations. Mentor is distinguished by technical
innovation and services including system integration, training and
on-going support.
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