AWARD-winning coach operator The Kings Ferry is the first to adopt a unique satellite tracking system that is set to revolutionise the UK coach industry.

The Kings Ferry fleet is expected to have the pioneering new £350,000 system in operation by the end of the year.

It has been specifically designed for the Kent-based operator so staff can pinpoint precisely where all their vehicles are located and customers will be able to track any vehicle by logging onto a website or using their WAP mobile phones.

Technical manager Danny Elford said: "We won’t be passing any extra costs to our passengers. We expect the system to pay for itself within five years.

"It will cut costs and calls for passengers and ourselves and benefit our logistics."

Sixteen of The Kings Ferry’s coaches have already been fitted with satellite tracking and the company expects this first phase of the system to be rolled out across the remainder of its 80-strong fleet within three months.

Mr Elford added: "The next step will be to install in-cab satellite navigation systems for our drivers. This should be possible within six months."