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Mahmood Baqer

201100594

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Transport Communications

International Logistics Management

TLB7003

Bahrain Public Transport

Table of Content

Page Content

1 Cover Page

2 Table of Content

3 Exclusive Summary

4Overview

5

6 Organization Chart

7Public Transport and Theory

8

9Nets Analysis

NETS 1 Infrastructure

10NETS 2 Traffic

NETS 3 Regulatory

11 NETS 4 Communications

12NETS 5 Auxiliary Services

NETS 6 Skills

13 Transport Communication Functions

14Communication Functions Bench-marking

15

16 Communication Functions

17Problem Identification

18

19

Technology20

21

22

23Implementation

24

25 Conclusion

26References

27

Executive Summary

This report focuses on CARS Transportation Corporation and their role in public

transportation in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The report also aims to tackle issues of the company, by

providing recommendations. The Ministry of Transport supervises the country’s public transport

system, made affordable for the public, and the provision of 40 buses by CARS Transportation

Corporation. The organizational structure of CARS Transportation Corporation is highlighted, but

as a simulation of Kuwait Public Transport Company. However, with over 300 bus stops, buses do

not pass through some of these stops, which are in certain areas, and this poses as a problem to a

few public transport users.

Public transport theories will be discussed as well, such as the “trees and sharks” theory

and the systems theory. Trees and Sharks theory are applied, whereas Systems and Cybernetic

theories are applied unknowingly by the company. Location theory exists as well, in the form of

availability of bus stops on the basis of customer demand. An analytical tool NETS analysis is used,

looking into six networks of a transport system. Infrastructure pertains to the bus leaving the bus

station and covering other infrastructure such as flyovers, speed bumps and stoplights. Traffic

pertains to the interaction between users of infrastructure In Bahrain. Regulatory pertain to

speed limits on certain roads In Bahrain and the regulatory bodies present in the public transport

system. Communication refer to phone and verbal communication between supervisor and bus

driver. Auxiliary services refer to free fuelling services for the buses and available benches in bus

stops. Skills pertain to the ability of the driver to communicate with others effectively.

Shannon’s Diagram is another tool used to show the mechanism of communication. In

Bahrain, the tool clearly shows the LED screen communicating the bus stop and number to the

anticipating user, as well as the noise that can occur when buying bus tickets. Under Station and

Driver Communication, forms of communication are explained here, but it is concluded that the

message is passed on from manager to the driver’s supervisor, then the supervisor contacts the

driver. This conclusion is benchmarked with KPTC which could be industry best practice, this helps

us gain a better understanding of what can be improved within the current communication

function. Shannon’s Theory of Communication is explained, in which noise is a barrier nobody can

clear of, such as visual barriers and second order meaning barriers. An interview was conducted

with Mr. Hubail, the shift supervisor. From the interview, CARS Transport Corporation have a few

issues in their current communication system, particularly language barrier and inefficient

feedback process, where driver’s cannot directly give their feedback as it involves many parties in

between.

Technology development and has changed the way communication runs within

organizations. Horus, a flexible group communication system, allows different communication

levels and is configurable. It supports large numbers of groups within the organization and each

individual has access to certain information, improving the safety of the system. Horus is shown as

Lego Blocks in a diagram, showing basic communication, FIFO communication, fragmentation,

membership, GPS, message acceleration, emergency vehicle management, GSM mobile interface

and Smart Traffic Light Controller. Finally, the implementation concentrates on these technologies

that can be used in CARS Transportation Corporation, recommended for Ministry of

Transportation, main bus stations and the public buses.

CARS Transport Corporation

Overview

ETA ASCON Group, a contracting firm in the UAE, was established in 1973. It is a part of Al

Ghurair Group, the company has many other businesses and investments in the UAE, and it is one

of the leading business houses in the United Arab Emirates. Other than Dubai and Bahrain, ETA

ASCON Group has also established and developed properties in Sri Lanka and India. (ETA, 2014)

In Bahrain, ETA ASCON Group established a public transport system, in

cooperation with the Ministry of Transportation to enhance the public

transportation in the country, Cars Transport Corporation. The company has around 40 buses

taking 15 different routes, starting from Muharraq to Manama, Budaiya, Isa Town and Riffa, and

more cities around the country. The minimum fare per trip is 0.150 BHD, which is for short

distance routes, and the maximum

fare is 0.300 BHD, for long routes.

These prices are standardized by

the government to make public

transport affordable for the public

in all areas around Bahrain. (MOT,

2014)

In the below figure, a simulation of how CARS Organizational Chart would look like is displayed, as the actual organization chart of the company is not published online or provided by the company. We are looking at a translated version of KPTC Kuwait Public Transport Company’s organization chart, as KPTC is a public transport company similar to CARS Transport Corporation, operating in a similar cultural environment, and has a fleet of 50-seater Mercedes Benz buses and smaller feeder buses. The company has a similar systematic and technical operations and functions. (KPTC, 2014) Therefore, the organization chart of CARS can have a similar structure as KPTC organization chart. Figure 1 shows the expected organization chart of CARS Transport Corporation:-

Figure 1 (CARS Organization Chart)

Bahrain Public Bus Routes

CARS Board of Directors

Public Transport and Theories

Secretariat

Investment Committee

Auditing Committee

Head of Administration

General Manager

Senior Executive Director of

Administrative affairs and Human Resources

Senior Executive Director of Finance, IT and Strategic

Solutions

Senior Executive Director of Transport and

operations

Internal Auditing

Financial Audit Department

Public Transport Manager Financial Affairs Manager

Maintenance and ancillary services Manager

CARS Transport Corporation buses carry about 30,000 people per day. There are 300 bus

stops around the country, but some are not being used due to lack of buses. Bahrain is planning to

introduce more routes and more buses, in order to increase passenger transport up to 100,000.

The maximum a bus can carry is 80 passengers, this means around 20 cars less on the roads if

each car had 4 passengers. CARS Transport Corporation operates Mercedes buses, 50-seater, air-

conditioned, air curtains and automated ticketing system. Moreover, the company operates

Toyota mini buses as feeders to the 50-seater buses and for late night trips. (TradeArabia, 2012)

There are 3 main terminals, which are: Manama Terminal, Muharraq Terminal and Isa

Town Terminal, there are 15 different routes which buses take every 10-30 minutes, bus services

start from 5 am to 12 midnight. The ticketing system accepts cash only, tickets are bought before

entering the bus in terminals or from the bus driver in bus stops, and there are no prepaid passes

or online ticketing system. The public bus in Bahrain is mainly used by expatriates and the

company is not aiming for tourism. (MOT, 2014)

The Kingdom of Bahrain is planning to improve public transport system, to provide

affordable, high quality and safe transportation for

all citizens. The current transport system lacks

accessibility to offices, retail shops and leisure

facilities. Seats are uncomfortable and not efficiently

utilized. Many bus routes and bus stops are not

being used by the current transport system as there

are no or a few citizens using the public bus

transport system in from and to those areas. (ICO, 2011)

When improving a transport and communications system, theories are keys that help in

planning and predicting. “We are not trees and we are not sharks” theory of transport and

communication applies on CARS Transport Corporation, buses move in between stations and bus

stops, they stop at these stations and bus stops as well, this indicates that one of the transport

theories exist in CARS Transport Corporation. (Course Notes, 2014) (MOT, 2014)

The public transport system in the country is organized by the government, then it comes

down to the private company CARS which organizes the workforce and services provided by the

public transport system. Organization theory states that there must be organizing behind any

transportation system, schedules, bus drivers, waiting time in bus stations and bus stops, rush

hours handling and seating in buses are all organized by the company. (MOT, 2014)

Systems theory and Cybernetic theory are applied in some cases without knowing the

theory behind it, CARS Transport Corporation’s mission is to provide affordable and accessible

means of transport to all residents, and with effective management and dedicated staff, the

company is able to provide these services. These theories are applied unknowingly in this case. By

having missions, visions and goals of the organization, the systematic and cybernetic theories are

applied. “The function of the Land Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation is to enhance and

regulate all aspects of land transportation in the Kingdom of Bahrain.” (MOT, 2014) By observation, we

found that there are no suggestions box on site such as in stations or main terminals, and no feedback

section in the website. This shows that the systematic and cybernetic theories are not fully applied within

the organization. (Course Notes, 2014) (MOT, 2014)

Information theory is an important factor in a transport system, information is transported

internally and externally. Information transported between the members of the company are

internal, while information between the company and the passengers or other parties are

external. More will be discussed in other sections of this project.

Location theory applies to CARS Transport Corporation, from observation, we find that bus

stations are positioned in three different areas which were mentioned earlier, and bus stops as

well, and these were planned according to the demand of the public and locations according to

major sites of the country.

NETS Analysis

NETS consists of six networks, which are essential for any transport system. They are:

Infrastructure networks, Regulatory networks, Traffic networks, Communications networks,

Auxiliary services networks and Skills networks. Any transport system, regardless of its mode or

level, must be supported by these networks. (Course Notes, 2014)

Cars Transport Corporation, the public transport system of Bahrain, transports local

residents around the country, the buses are operated by drivers and they have a limited authority

to depart the station, and their authority is limited as they have a schedule to follow, which is set

by managers or schedule organizers. The transport system of public transport in Bahrain is

provided by CARS Transport Corporation while being regulated by the government. (Hubail, Shift

Supervisor, 2014)

NETS 1 Infrastructure

The infrastructure network plays a vital rule in the transport

system and as one of the six networks, a Bus Rapid Transit

(BRT) system cannot operate without an infrastructure. The

BRT system starts at a bus station, which is the first infrastructure used by the bus, after that, the

bus departs the station, and, uses roads and bus stops while the bus is on the way to the next bus

stop or station, the bus uses tunnels, bridges and flyovers which are parts of the infrastructure.

Moreover, street lines, speed bumps, roundabouts, traffic lights, speed limit signs and other signs

are all part of transport infrastructure. (MyCity, 2010)

The public transport needs a communication system to be able to operate efficiently, the

communication system has an infrastructure as well, which consists of the global network,

satellites, signal towers, internet, GPS systems and phone lines are an infrastructure for the

communication carried out by the transport system. Other forms of communication are also

available, such as road signs and road lines for the driver, and advertisements printed on the bus

or showed on a TV fixed in the bus are a form of communication to the bus users. (Gillwald, 2010)

NETS 2 Traffic

Traffic networks are created by users of the infrastructure, such as cars and buses on

roads, trains on rails and airplanes in airports. The traffic for public transport in Bahrain is created

by other buses, cars, and pedestrians, traffic controls the speed of the bus, in rush hours traffic

increases, causing the buses to travel slower. Even though pedestrians are part of the traffic as

they use roads to walk and reach their

destination, they interact with cars in

situations like crosswalks, and crossovers. In

some areas there are road signs which

indicate that it is a kids playing area or

school area where buses and cars must

drive slow and take precaution.

NETS 3 Regulatory

Public roads are regulated by the country, roads used by public buses are regulated by

Ministry of Transportation, as CARS is a Public Private Partnership company, rules are set by the

government to accommodate the public’s need. As an example, we observed Hidd bus stop and

we noticed that public bus users are very limited, after a few visits no passengers were found to

be using the Hidd bus stop, this shows that the public transport is regulated by the government.

Buses are available from Hidd to Muharraq, across Arad, and the Airport even though passengers

are very limited and the company’s profits are minimum along this route. Other regulations can be

noticed such as speed limits, the public bus’ speed limit is 80 Km/h on highways. Traffic signs,

traffic lights, drivers must have heavy vehicle license and all other road regulations, which apply a

form of communication to public roads users and are set by the Ministry of Transport of Bahrain,

are applied to public buses. Ticket prices are regulated by the government, CARS Company has no

authority to increase ticket prices.

NETS 4 Communications

Communication is essential for transport systems. CARS has internal communication via

phones and emails in their offices, mobile phones are used outside offices to communicate with

station managers, other staff members or bus drivers. On the other hand, as observed, some of

the communication functions which encompass passengers are:-

- LED signs behind and in front of the buses, which shows the

bus’s destination. A form of visual communication

- Advertisements on the bus. Visual communication

- Verbal communications with ticket seller (In main terminals)

otherwise, the bus driver is the one who sells the tickets onboard.

- Verbal communications with bus drivers.

- Females have specified seats which are labeled, usually the first few front lines. This is a

form of communication to the passengers.

- Stop buttons which can be used by the passengers to communicate with the driver

informing him that they want to leave at the next stop.

communication is created by users of such a mobile phone, a GPS system or even internet,

communication between the bus driver and the shift supervisor can be by phone or verbal

communication as is in CARS Transport Corporation, where both of these can be disturbed by

other factors, other forms of communications which are road signs, they can create a traffic of

information, a bus driver may not be able to read all the signs visible to him at a high speed, as the

traffic created by other information are disturbing the driver’s concentration on other signs.

(Gillwald, 2010)

NETS 5 Auxiliary Services

Public buses have free fueling from the government as mentioned by a petrol station staff

at Muharraq petrol station. Auxiliary services are provided to achieve transportation or to

enhance the transportation system, TVs on public buses provide details about the trip or

advertisements, some bus stops are provided with benches, buses are air conditioned.

NETS 6 Skills

Skills of public bus transport systems are almost similar around the world, the first thing

we are looking at is driving skills of the bus driver, drivers must have the skills which enable them

to drive the bus, having driving license proves that the driver is skillful enough to be able to drive

the bus. Drivers must know the roads of Bahrain and memorize the routes that they are required

to take. Language skills, drivers must be able to speak in Arabic or/and English to be able to

communicate with passengers and supervisors.

Management, planning, analysis and problem solving skills are used by managers, these

skills consist of smaller skills which enables the individual to perform the required tasks to achieve

goals and expectations.

Transport and Communications Functions

Ministry of Transportation Internet - website

Network system

Computer – SmartphonePassenger

Connection errors

CARS LED screenVisual Display

Human eyesPassenger

Visual defects

Bus Driver VerbalVoice

Human earsPassenger

Language difficulties

A transport system cannot function without communication, below are some diagrams

implemented on CARS Transport Corporation, using Shannon’s diagram of how communication

works:-

Bus schedules

Riding the bus

Buying Tickets

These forms of communications makes CARS Transport Corporation able to operate as a public transport system for Bahrain.

Passengers need to plan their trip prior to going to the bus station, looking for bus

schedules, routes and bus stops available at their destination will make them decide whether to

use the transport system or not, a form of communication is formed as shown in the Bus

schedules diagram for the passenger to be able to perform this task. After planning the trip, the

candidate would go to the planned bus station/bus stop and look for the bus he planned to take,

in this situation, another form of communication is applied, as shown in Riding the bus diagram

above, how the LED screens will form communication to the passenger, however, noise is always

available in a communication system, in this case, if the passenger has visual difficulties, it will be

an obstacle which prevents communication or might deliver the wrong message. After that, the

passenger would get on board and communicate with the bus driver in order to buy tickets, and

the communication diagram is shown above “Buying Tickets diagram” the noise that could be

available in this situation is language variation between the bus driver and the passenger.

Communication Function Bench-marking

Cars Transport Corporation communicates internally through basic communication

systems which were mentioned earlier in this assignment, these methods of communications are

used globally for communication. However, we are focusing on the communication function

within the organization between the station and the driver, and by bench-marking with KPTC we

can find the weaknesses of CARS Transport Corporation internal communication functions.

As a message passes through multiple parties in the communication function between a station

and a driver, we can look at the communication functions as follows:-

- Telephone and E-mail

In order for a manager within a station to communicate with a driver, the message is first

delivered to the driver’s supervisor, the management in CARS Transport Corporation contact

supervisors using telephone lines, this system is a basic communication function which is

useful for small and direct tasks. On the other hand KPTC uses emails for communications

between stations and supervisors. Using an email can be helpful as the information is saved

and available whenever needed for revision. (KPTC, 2014) (Hubail, Shift Supervisor, 2014)

- Verbal communication

CARS is not a large scale company and is operating in a small country with a limited

number of passengers, it handles public bus management and services, verbal communication

is present in most management operations. Communication with management, supervisors,

staff and employees must be verbal in some situations, this type of communication is a must.

As verbal communication is essential, supervisors in CARS communicate with drivers verbally,

because orders and directions given to the drivers are not complicated, also drivers can take

notes of their tasks which helps improve their focus on the task. In KPTC, verbal

communication is used as well, as it is the very basic and effective way of communicating.

(KPTC, 2014) (Hubail, Shift Supervisor, 2014)

- Mobile phone

Mobile phones are used to contact bus drivers in CARS Transport Corporation, this is

simply to get information about the location of the bus or to give orders to the bus driver. In

case of emergency, the bus driver contacts the management by mobile phone. We find the

same communication function utilizing mobile phones to report an emergency or receive

orders from supervisors by the drivers. (KPTC, 2014) (Hubail, Shift Supervisor, 2014)

- Website

KPTC has a unique communication function which cannot be found in CARS Transport

Corporation, this function is based on a website where employees can login to and find all the

information they need, also they can read messages, emails or receive broadcasts from

supervisors which include change in plans or functional operations, each employee has access

to the website from any place using the internet. (KPTC, 2014)

Refining CARS Transport Corporation Communication Functions

Communication Functions

Shannon’s Theory of Communication

A problem within the communication functions in a company is not necessarily related to

physical structures or instruments used in communication, as Claude Elwood Shannon stated in

his article A Mathematical Theory of Communication, “The fundamental problem of

communication is that of reproducing at one point either exactly or approximately a message

selected at another point. Frequently the messages have meaning; that is they refer to or are

correlated according to some system with certain physical or conceptual entities. These semantic

aspects of communication are irrelevant to the engineering problem.” (Shannon, 1948, p. 1)

Shannon explains any communication function in a simple diagram, which is shown in the

diagram below:-

As shown in Figure 1 Shannon’s Diagram, no communication function can be clear of noise,

and noise in this diagram means any barrier that blocks or disrupts the communication function,

the noise can be actual noise or other barriers such as language barriers, or second order meaning

Figure 1 Shannon’s Theory (Shannon, 1948, p. 2)

Manager Telephone Telephone SupervisorLand Line

Voice clearanceLanguage Barriers

Language Barriers

Supervisor Verbal Ears DriverVoice

barriers and visual barriers, generally elements that changes the message sent from the source

when it is received by the receiver. (Shannon, 1948, p. 19)

Problem Identification

We are using the systematic approach in looking at a certain communication function

within the CARS Transport Corporation, in the last assignment we looked at some communication

functions using Shannon’s law. One of these functions was the communication between the

station and the driver. As this function consists of more than one party and more than one

communication system, we will explain the whole process which includes two functions, these

functions can be diagramed as follows:-

The above information was collected from an interview which was conducted with the

shift supervisor Mr. Hubail.

There are a few issues with the current communication system between the supervisor

and the drivers some of these issues are:-

- Time: the process is time consuming as the information sent by the manager has to be

delivered to each driver individually. Therefore, it takes a long period of time for the

information that was delivered to take effect. (Hubail, Shift Supervisor, 2014)

- Effectiveness: the information delivered to each driver individually could be understood in

different ways, each driver can understand a certain meaning of the message and not the

full meaning, and the message could be ineffective as it runs through different levels of the

company till it reaches the drivers. (Hubail, Shift Supervisor, 2014)

- Efficiency: the process as in general is not efficient, as the drivers cannot send their

feedback instantly to the supervisor or the manager to plan accordingly. (Hubail, Shift

Supervisor, 2014)

- Language barrier: information can be slightly changed and have a different effect on the

employees if translated in different languages. (Hubail, Shift Supervisor, 2014)

As mentioned by Mr. Hubail, the management of CARS Transport Corporation is finding

difficulties in delivering the information to the drivers, the main reason behind this problem is the

language barrier. As the managers and supervisors are using the Arabic language in

communicating, while the drivers and ticket sellers are using the Hindi or English language.

(Hubail, Shift Supervisor, 2014)

The Management in the central station contact each supervisor individually and the

supervisors contact the drivers individually as well, the drivers give feedback to the supervisors

and they send it to the management in the central station. (Hubail, Shift Supervisor, 2014)

Technology

In this section, I would like to introduce Horus, which is a flexible group communication

system. This system offers a flexible group communication system, it is configurable and consists

of layers. Horus system allows different communication levels and groups to coexist in the same

system and this can be modified by the management. (Robert Van Renesse, 1997, p. 1)

Technology development and global demand has changed the way communication runs

within organizations. Technology made communication easier and more flexible, as managers can

contact employees easily and receive feedback regularly. Group communication has increased

since the approach of group communication technology. (Jared Z. Ferrell, 2012, p. 2)

Operating systems have been developing rapidly, they are being more reliable over time

and new technologies ease the communication function continuously. Horus is a group

communication system which can run on a variety of devices, the system offers great flexibility in

programming. Horus supports large numbers of groups with deferent levels and layers within the

organization, each individual has access to certain information, which improves the safety of the

system. Dealing with Horus system is very simple, as it is flexible to suit the needs of the user, with

the control of the manager with high security features. Horus system can be referred to as Lego

Blocks where each function can be configured by the management, certain permissions can be

given to the users depending on their position. As mentioned in Horus article, “The Horus system

is thus like a Box of Legos. Although each type of block implements a different communication

features, the blocks have standardized top and bottom interfaces that allows them to be stack on

top of each other at run time in a variety of ways.” (Robert Van Renesse, 1997, p. 2) The authors

also clarified that in Legos not every building resembles something, but things can be built in the

way we desire. The following figure shows the layers as Legos:-

Each block represents a type of software which can be combined with another to perform

a certain task, these can be modified based on the user’s requirements:

COM (Basic Communication): This is the lowest level of the communication function, this layer is

responsible of delivering from the user to the system, in other words the interface. The user can

have a simple device that has a basic interface which consists of a few tasks such as orders and

feedback. (Robert Van Renesse, 1997, p. 7)

NAK (FIFO Communication): this layer provides the First In First Out process in Horus system,

when the system faces an error that prevents it from sending information, for example network

errors, the system saves the data and resends them in FIFO process. (Robert Van Renesse, 1997, p.

7)

FRAG (Fragmentation/Reassembly): this layer is responsible of sending the information to

different directions, for example, sending information from a point to more than one point, this

helps group communication from one source. Moreover, the system can as well send information

from and to more than one point, as feedback from different users can be collected in one single

message and delivered to all the points. (Robert Van Renesse, 1997, pp. 7-15)

Figure 1 (Robert Van Renesse, 1997, p. 3)

MBRSHIP (Membership and atomicity) this layer creates different users specifications on the

system, the system as a whole can be used by all the parties of an organization therefore each

user can have deferent authorities. For example, the managers have the authority to contact all

supervisors at once, while drivers can only contact their supervisor. (Robert Van Renesse, 1997, p.

7)

FAST (Message Acceleration): as the system has many layers that the message passes through,

FAST layer has been added to speed up the process and send the information instantly, for

example: when a manager or supervisor requests the location of a user, the system instantly

sends the information to the request point, this enables on time information delivery. (Robert Van

Renesse, 1997, pp. 10-15)

GPS

Global Positioning System, Horus system can be connected to GPS systems which can be fixed on

vehicles or products, the GPS system sends signals to the network allowing online tracking system

of the vehicle/product. The system uses cellular technology which is based on GPS, GPRS and

GSM. Syncromatics, a tracking device which can be connected to Horus system, it is connected to

the power supply of the vehicle, and it also has a reserved battery which can last for 8 hours while

sending signals that the vehicle has stopped operating. The device can send the following

information from a vehicle: (Horus, 2014) (Syncromatics, 2014)

Route Tracking

Speed Reporting

Panic Button

Microphone in the cockpit of the vehicle

Fuel reports

Report of temperature load

Smart Traffic Light Controller STLC

Horus system can interact with Ministry of Transportation as well, by setting up devices in

the ministry of transportation, the ministry can track the public buses and use the STLC system to

control the traffic and ease traffic on the selected vehicle’s route, in other words, the traffic light

can be turned green from a control room in the ministry, to allow a certain vehicle to reach its

destination faster. There are three systems that are proposed by the Computer department,

Gokhale Education Societies, College Of Engineering, India. (Vishakha S.Thakare, 2013, p. 1) These

are:-

Dynamic Time Interval

Emergency Vehicle Management

GSM Mobile Interface

We will be considering the second and the third points in this paper, as they could be used to improve the communication system of CARS Transport Corporation.

Emergency Vehicle ManagementThe priority is given to the vehicles marked by the system, as these vehicles approach the

signal lights, all other lanes glow red lights except the marked vehicle’s lane, which allows the

vehicle to pass through traffic lights without stopping. (Vishakha S.Thakare, 2013, p. 1)

GSM Mobile Interface

Information about traffic congestions and alternative routes can be sent to the device on

GSM Networks, which are used by Horus Communication System, to inform the driver about the

fastest route to his destination. (Vishakha S.Thakare, 2013, p. 2)

Implementation

The technologies explained above can be implemented on CARS Transport Corporation to

improve the communication functions within the organization, starting with Horus group

communication system, the public main buses of CARS Transport Corporation can have simple

devices running the Horus system. On the other hand, the main bus stations and the ministry of

transportation can have the Horus system to enable communication between these parties. All

vehicles can have amounted Rockford Fosgate display screens, which is a 12-inch display, running

Horus operating system, this allows drivers to basically use navigation system mounted within the

display. (rockfordfosgate, 2014)Furthermore, the system can work as follows:

First, in case of emergency drivers can select an option in the device that notifies the

central station and the ministry of transport, therefore the problems can be dealt with

immediately without delays. On the other hand, managers or supervisors can contact each other

easily using Horus communication system, by sending information through the system. Managers

can send information to multiple locations at the same time. Also, supervisors can communicate

with the drivers at any time, and a single supervisor can contact multiple drivers at the same time

as well. The proposed communication system will fix the current communication issues, as

language barrier is a problem within the current communication system, Horus can use layers to

translate the information in other languages, to help all parties understand the information

specifically. (Robert Van Renesse, 1997) (rockfordfosgate, 2014)

Using Horus GPS system, the GPS system can be a small device attached to the public

buses, each public bus can be monitored from the stations and the Ministry of Transportation,

providing the management and the authorities with information about the bus’s position, speed,

fuel level and the route the bus is taking, this can be used to analyze the public transport system

as a whole, it can be used to identify issues with the current system. Furthermore, the Ministry of

Transportation can control traffic signals using Horus system as well, the gathered data, the

current position and the route of each bus can give enough information to the authorities to be

able to control traffic lights, the system which allows buses reach their destination faster by

allowing public buses to pass through traffic lights without stopping. (Vishakha S.Thakare, 2013)

Another benefit of Horus Communication System to CARS Transport Corporation can be

the GSM Mobile Interface, using google maps, which can be installed on the system and can be

integrated with Horus Communication System, allowing the driver to find out where congestion is

high, the system automatically calculates diverse routes to avoid the traffic. (Vishakha S.Thakare,

2013)

To implement these changes on the current transport system, a few steps should be taken

prior implementation. Planning for the development of the communication function, setting a

capital for the project, providing training courses for staff, drivers and employees to enable them

to use the new communication function to its fullest benefits, also familiarizing the drivers with

the new devices which will be installed on the buses. Spreading awareness of this change among

all departments of the organization in order to avoid issues with staff.

Conclusion

To conclude, transport communication is a critical aspect, as we went through the different

functions within the transport system, we find that communication is present in each and every

aspect of the organization, and it covers all the areas within the company. Therefore, by improving

the communication function of CARS Transport Corporation, we improve the whole transport

system. As technology is developing, we can improve communication functions by utilizing

available advanced technology within the transport system. The public transport system in

Bahrain needs improvements and developments, as the current transport infrastructure is

insufficient to withstand the size of Bahrain’s population, public transport system can solve this

issue, by making their services better, cheaper, available and flexible.

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