Big Bus Tours

How Aina PTT Voice Responder Transformed Communication for Big Bus Tours

ABOUT BIG BUS TOURS

Big Bus Tours is a leading global operator of open-top sightseeing tours, offering visitors a unique way to explore major cities worldwide. Established in 1991, the company provides hop-on, hop-off bus tours in over 20 iconic destinations. With a focus on providing entertaining and informative experiences, Big Bus Tours allows passengers to discover key landmarks, learn about local history, and enjoy the flexibility of exploring cities at their own pace. The company is known for its engaging audio guides, convenient routes, and commitment to quality service for travellers.

CHALLENGE: Enhancing Communication for Big Bus

Big Bus Tours relies on efficient communication between its Operations Centre, Sales staff, and Bus drivers to ensure smooth operations in multiple cities worldwide. They use Zebra devices and software as the primary PTT tools to facilitate this communication.

As the company operates across dynamic urban environments, it faces several communication challenges:

  • The need for instant, clear, and reliable communication across various departments and locations
  • The need for seamless coordination with the Operation Centre, Sales staff and Bus drivers to handle customer injuries, traffic updates, or schedule changes
  • In emergencies or high-traffic periods, communication devices must perform without delays or interruptions
  • The drivers are not allowed to use smartphones while driving due to safety reasons and traffic regulations

There were two problems that Big Bus Tours had, firstly the amount of coverage black spots in heavily built-up central London, this led to broken communications and unanswered calls. Secondly, the current system fails to meet health and safety requirements, exposing the company to increased liability risks and jeopardising the safety of both drivers and passengers.
Big Bus was searching for a Push-to-Talk (PTT) device solution that ensures constant connectivity, even in dense areas, would allow drivers to receive real-time instructions, report incidents immediately, and offer a safer, more efficient tour experience. This would directly improve both customer satisfaction and operational safety.

Our operations in central London were constantly disrupted by coverage black spots. We needed a solution that ensured continuous communication, especially for our drivers.

– Big Bus Tours Representative

SOLUTION: Integrating a voice-over-cellular system with Zebra hardware, software, and Aina Voice Responders, ensuring seamless, reliable communication without coverage interruptions in busy urban areas.

Big Bus Tours solved these challenges by integrating a voice-over-cellular system using network-agnostic SIM cards. The solution paired Zebra hardware and software with the Aina Voice Responder to provide reliable, crystal-clear communication. The system allowed drivers and sales staff to stay connected without worrying about coverage interruptions, even in congested urban areas.

The addition of the Aina Voice Responder further enhanced the system by offering:

  • Cost-Effective Solution: Aina Voice Responders are more affordable to purchase compared to traditional, high-cost radio systems.
  • Lower Running Costs: Reduced expenses on radio licensing and infrastructure.
  • Hands-free Communication: The instant connectivity and hands-free communication capabilities of Aina PTT Voice Responder meet the strict safety compliance standards required in the transportation sector.

Big Bus Tours are now able to use their system to not only communicate efficiently but to make sure that all their staff are compliant with the myriads of legislations regarding driver/operators on the UK. They have empowered their sales staff to not worry about communications issues and concentrate on their selling.

Our sales staff can now focus fully on engaging with customers without being held back by communication issues. It’s been a massive boost to productivity.

– Big Bus Tours Representative

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Ready for New Devices?

Embrace innovation – Order now and take your business communication to the next level!