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Discrete Wireless Helps Baltimore County Citizens
Get Back on the Road with GPS Tracking
― Company installs MARCUS® GPS Fleet Management in 375 County Vehicles ―
Towson, MD – (December 12, 2007) – Baltimore County Executor Jim Smith held a press conference today to discuss how the Maryland county government is preparing for this year’s winter weather. Smith announced the new use of the Discrete Wireless MARCUS® GPS system in 300 trucks used for plowing snow on 2,600 miles of roads in Baltimore County. “Whether it is through installing a new GPS or just through old-fashioned dedication to fast and effective service, Baltimore County does everything it can to help our residents get back on the road quickly and, most importantly, safely. Our number one priority is always the safety of our citizens,” Smith said.
Baltimore County has budgeted $5 million for snow removal during the winter of 2007-2008. Smith said, “We have just gone through our first winter storm on December 5th and there will be more winter hazards to come and we are ready.”
Under the new contract with Discrete Wireless, GPS systems will be installed to monitor the real-time location of vehicles involved with snow plowing the roads of Baltimore County. “With this new system we will be able to quickly identify problems with vehicles or roads that will need to be plowed along with the capability to locate vehicles for quick response to these problem areas.” Smith reported. The Discrete Wireless GPS systems will help the Department of Public Works be more efficient and effective in helping citizens get back on the roads and back to their daily routines.
The Discrete Wireless GPS systems track and store the speed, idle time, and vehicle maintenance history of a vehicle. This data will be analyzed to help Baltimore County government prepare for future inclement weather situations. By using the Discrete Wireless GPS system, Baltimore County will be able to clear roads more effectively and get the most out of their $5 million budget. In the future the GPS system will have the capability to track when the plow is up or down allowing Baltimore County to report all roads that were plowed in a period of time.
Another benefit of having the GPS systems installed is for emergency situations. The Emergency Bureau can dispatch vehicles more efficiently by looking at GPS records online to see which response vehicle is closest to the problem area. Response time should be reduced. With the GPS devices in place, Baltimore County will be able to coordinate their emergency agencies more effectively during bad weather.
Tim Burgess the Bureau of Highways Chief said, “Not only will the GPS system help during the winter months, but this is a system that will be utilized 365 days of the year.” The trucks used during the winter months are also used year round as garbage trucks, emergency vehicles, and other services. Burgess said, “We are looking forward to working with Discrete Wireless and the GPS system.”
About Baltimore County
Baltimore County is located in the northern part of Maryland. In 2006, its population was estimated to be 787,384. Its county seat is Towson. Baltimore County has had a charter government since 1956. The government consists of a County Executive and a seven-member County Council. The County Executive and Councilmen are elected in years of gubernatorial elections, and the County Executive may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. Several major interstate highways run through the county, including I-95, I-83, I-195, I-795 and I-70; the latter has its eastern terminus in the county. The majority of the McKeldin Beltway, I-695, is contained within the county as well. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,766 km² (682 sq mi).
About Discrete Wireless, Inc.
Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Discrete Wireless, Inc. has delivered GPS Fleet Management Solutions since 2000. Bright House Networks, Siemens, Batesville Casket Company and more than 4,400 service and distribution businesses nationwide rely on Discrete Wireless GPS Fleet Management Systems to track the movement of their vehicles, employees, and goods. Discrete Wireless customers see dramatic reductions in fuel costs, overtime pay, excessive speeding and increased vehicle safety, with increased customer service due to using the MARCUS® GPS Fleet Management Application.
The MARCUS® GPS Fleet Management Application and MARCUS® 3G equipment is marketed directly by Discrete Wireless and through a Nationwide Distribution Network, targeting service and distribution fleets. Discrete Wireless can be found on the Web at www.discretewireless.com or call 800-358-6178 for more information.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Shawn Millar
678-338-5944
Director - Marketing
mkting@discretewireless.net |
