SmartDrive to Equip SuperShuttle and Other Veolia Transportation Services with the Latest in High Tech Safety and Eco-Driving Systems

SAN DIEGO, June 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Executives from Veolia Transportation's On-Demand Division, whose SuperShuttle, Compass and Golden Touch franchised brands provide consumer and specialized transport services, and SmartDrive Systems, a leader in fleet safety and operational efficiency, today announced Veolia's purchase of SmartDrive safety and eco-driving technology for the division's 1,631 vans and buses throughout the US.

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SmartDrive uses video, audio and ECU-connected vehicle data sensors to detect and record risky driving maneuvers, such as sudden stops, hard cornering, aggressive acceleration, and excessive speed. After expert review and analysis, SmartDrive delivers recommendations so fleets can respond quickly to reduce risky driving and collisions.

The SmartDrive recorder system also enables drivers to instantly recognize fuel-wasting maneuvers with in-cab instant driver feedback, saving significant fuel and reducing carbon emissions. Because the SmartRecorder is connected to the vehicle engine computer, it's possible to measure actual improvement in fuel savings rather than simply providing estimated savings.

Veolia Transportation's On-Demand services are franchisee owned and operated, which includes SuperShuttle, the premier shared-ride airport transportation service in the United States; Compass Transportation, which provides commuter and tour bus services in the San Francisco Bay area; and Golden Touch Transportation, which provides shuttle services in the New York Metro area.

"At VTOD, we are committed to supporting our franchisees with the tools and technology they need to operate safely and profitably. Collectively, our brands provide mobility solutions to over 20 million passengers a year, and the first priority is getting those passengers to their destination safely and on time," said Ken Hatch, Vice President of Safety for Veolia Transportation's On-Demand Division.

Veolia Transportation's On-Demand Division chose SmartDrive following a rigorous field test and evaluation of in-vehicle recording technology from multiple vendors.  According to Hatch, "the SmartDrive solution stands alone in its ability to provide a clear view of individual and fleet driving risk, while also arming us with the tools to better manage fuel use and reduce our carbon footprint."

Commenting on the agreement, SmartDrive President Jason Palmer said, "With our unmatched ability to identify the broadest range of risky driving behavior, SmartDrive can reduce a fleet's collision frequency by over 60% in the first year. We provide fleets with actionable information that quickly helps their drivers improve performance, thus reducing incidents and collisions, and protecting drivers on the road.

"At the same time, we are helping our customers address the business risks associated with the escalating cost of fuel and commercial auto insurance.  It is extremely gratifying that Veolia On-Demand has turned to SmartDrive to help its franchisees improve their businesses with a unique combination of safety and eco-driving technology," said Palmer.

SuperShuttle, Compass and Golden Touch will start installations in July, and anticipate having their entire fleets equipped by the end of the year.

About Veolia Transportation On-Demand Division

The On-Demand division of Veolia Transportation manages those businesses that respond directly to consumer requests for transportation. This division includes SuperShuttle, Compass Transportation in San Francisco, which provides commuter shuttles and tour bus services, and Golden Touch Transportation, which provides many specialized transportation services in the New York area, including airline crew transfers.

Since pioneering the concept in 1983, SuperShuttle has become the premier shared-ride airport transportation service in the United States, providing door-to-door service for over 8 million passengers per year. Currently, SuperShuttle provides service to and from 33 airports and more than 50 cities and has approximately 1,200 distinctive blue and yellow vans on the road.  For more information, please visit www.SuperShuttle.com and www.veoliatransportation.com

About SmartDrive Systems

SmartDrive delivers innovative solutions that make it easy for fleet managers to improve driver safety and reduce operating cost. SmartDrive records comprehensive video-based data from the road, then thoroughly reviews and scores critical events and recommends action for fleet managers to quickly respond and deliver sustainable savings - all through an easy-to-use managed service. The company has compiled the world's largest storehouse - more than 34 million events - of real-time, risky-driving incidents. SmartDrive Systems is based in San Diego, CA, and employs over 375 people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.smartdrive.net.

Media contacts:
Jason Palmer
(858) 225-5587
[email protected]

SOURCE SmartDrive