For more than five years, Pelion has been at the heart of Lothian’s connectivity strategy, helping the UK-based bus operator enhance its operations and customer service. With a fleet of over 700 environmentally friendly vehicles running across Edinburgh and beyond, Lothian is a critical player in regional transportation, moving passengers seamlessly across the city and its surroundings. But to stay at the cutting edge, Lothian knew it needed more than just a connectivity provider – they needed a partner.

The Challenge

In 2017, Lothian recognized that their existing connectivity infrastructure needed a major upgrade. The company was looking for a partner to provide a robust, cost-effective, and scalable wireless solution to support their evolving fleet operations. With a growing demand for passenger Wi-Fi, remote CCTV downloads, real-time information systems, and on-board connectivity for drivers, Lothian needed a connectivity partner that could meet these diverse and complex needs. They invited UK network providers to present their solutions, and Pelion quickly stood out.

The Pelion Solution

Unlike other providers, Pelion didn’t come in with a sales pitch full of PowerPoint slides. Instead, Pelion’s team took a more straightforward approach: having an in-depth conversation with Lothian. Philip Lock, Lothian’s Strategic Systems Manager, says, “It was immediately clear that Pelion’s technical expertise and understanding of our needs went far beyond others.”

Pelion’s solution was not only technically optimal but also cost-effective, providing Lothian with fast 4G backhaul connectivity on an optimized data tariff. The new solution enabled Lothian to:

• Provide passenger Wi-Fi on their fleet, improving the customer experience.

• Implement remote CCTV downloads and health monitoring across the fleet.

• Support real-time information systems, keeping passengers informed at all times.

• Connect Electronic Ticketing Machines and integrate contactless payment systems for a smoother, more efficient operation.

With more than 2,000 Pelion SIMs deployed across its fleet, Lothian quickly started reaping the benefits of Pelion’s reliable, secure, and cost-efficient connectivity.

Key Outcomes

Pelion didn’t just deliver a connectivity solution; they helped transform how Lothian operates. Here are some of the key outcomes:

Enhanced operational efficiency: Remote monitoring and diagnostics minimized the need for in-person checks, allowing Lothian to optimize fleet management.

Cost savings: Lothian’s spend on data services aligned closely with its needs, resulting in more predictable costs and improved budget planning.

Customer service excellence: Through the deployment of real-time data and passenger-facing solutions, Lothian continued to uphold its reputation for top-notch customer service.

Impact by the Numbers

• 700+ vehicles in Lothian’s fleet, serving passengers across Edinburgh and surrounding areas.

• 2,000 Pelion SIMs deployed, connecting ticketing, real-time systems, passenger Wi-Fi, and more.

• 5 years of partnership, with continuous growth and innovation in connectivity solutions.

• Real-time data supporting passenger-facing apps, ensuring up-to-date travel information for over millions of users annually.

• Significant cost reduction in data services, thanks to optimized data tariffs and usage plans.

• 24/7 support availability, ensuring uninterrupted service and rapid problem resolution.

Proven Reliability and Support

More than six years into the partnership, Lothian continues to benefit from Pelion’s reliable connectivity and outstanding customer support.

Philip Lock notes, “Our account manager is always available, and the support team is incredibly responsive. We’ve always been impressed with how quickly Pelion addresses issues and works collaboratively with other equipment providers to resolve them.”

What truly sets Pelion apart is their flexibility and problem-solving approach. Even when technical challenges arise, Pelion’s team goes above and beyond, helping Lothian tackle difficult situations with professionalism and dedication.

“Pelion has helped us overcome some tough situations by being adaptable and genuinely willing to help,” says Philip. “When it comes to choosing a connectivity provider, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Pelion.”

Conclusion

Pelion’s partnership with Lothian is a prime example of how connectivity can transform an organization’s operations. By providing not only the technology but the technical expertise and customer support, Pelion has proven to be a critical enabler of Lothian’s success. Through reliable connectivity, cost savings, and enhanced operational efficiency, Pelion has delivered on its promise to support Lothian’s journey—and is ready to power the next phase of their growth.

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