Premier Coach Operator switches to TruTac for improved Compliance Control

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Edwards Coaches, Wales’ largest coach tour operator, have switched to TruTac software for tachograph, driver and document analysis, thereby strengthening all aspects of fleet management and general compliance control.

Founded in 1925 and with almost 300 vehicles in the fleet, the company is ranked in the top 5 UK coach providers and operates virtually all the coaches travelling out of Wales for National Express. In addition, Edwards Coaches carry more than 6,500 students to school each day and approx. 80,000 people on their annual holidays programme, throughout the UK, Europe and internationally.

“This is a very busy and diverse business” explains Training and Compliance Manager, Stephen Tapper,“ and with so many vehicles, schedules and drivers we needed a software system which enables instant monitoring and control while at the same time improving fleet performance and maintaining 100% compliance.”

To this end, Edwards Coaches have installed TruAnalysis, Truview, TruDriver and TruDocs, a selection from the TruTac software suite which combine to manage driver monitoring and debriefing, infringements and working time, online compliance reporting, document storage and retrieval.

“Since introducing TruTac’s software,” continues Stephen, “we have immediate access to real-time information from any portal, concerning all aspects of the coach operation. Furthermore, should we need to provide information to the DVSA, all documents can be instantly identified and retrieved. This saves time and makes sure we not only meet but exceed compliance obligations.”

Among other features, TruAnalysis includes intuitive navigation; auto reports; DVSA Earned Recognition reporting; multi-site and division’s control.

Stephen Tapper adds that Edwards Coaches moved from their previous supplier to TruTac, not least because the software is more intuitive and ‘user-friendly’. “The transition from the old system was seamless and we hardly felt a bump during the change-over.” He says. “Now, we control virtually all aspects of our vehicle and driver compliance with confidence and ease.”

Edwards Coaches Head Office and maintenance depot, situated on a 26-acre site in Llantrisant, has its own MOT test centre, body repair shop and spray booth. It has two other major sites operating National Express at Swansea and Bristol Avonmouth as well as satellite depots situated throughout Wales in Abercynon, Wattstown, Barry, Newport, Cardiff, Llanelli and Pembroke. The company also provides a local bus service to the market town of Pontypridd and Cardiff city centre.