Skip to main content

UK consults on offering real-time info to bus riders

The UK government has launched a consultation on whether bus operators should be legally obliged to share data with the public. If the answer is yes, then passengers across the country would be given real-time information on routes, timetables and fares. Bus minister Nusrat Ghani says: “By requiring bus operators to share their data, we can make sure that passengers have the information they need to catch the bus with ease, equipped with the right information about the time and cost.” Additionally, th
July 5, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
The UK government has launched a consultation on whether bus operators should be legally obliged to share data with the public. If the answer is yes, then passengers across the country would be given real-time information on routes, timetables and fares.


Bus minister Nusrat Ghani says: “By requiring bus operators to share their data, we can make sure that passengers have the information they need to catch the bus with ease, equipped with the right information about the time and cost.”

Additionally, the consultation will also look at making companies provide audio and visual information on buses to help disabled and the elderly passengers travel more confidently.

James White, senior campaigns manager at the charity Guide Dogs, says: “Accessible information on board buses is absolutely vital to help people with sight loss travel with confidence.”

The project will also support local services where demand is failing and help increase ridership across the UK.

Ghani made the announcement at Reading Buses, which is already using open data to improve bus journeys. The operator says it has seen a 48% increase in ridership through a number of initiatives focused on making information more easily available.

Related Content

  • October 22, 2018
    Grey areas: who's legally responsible for C/AVs?
    Connected and autonomous vehicles are an exciting development in the ITS sector – but amid the hype some big questions about their deployment remain unanswered, finds Ben Spencer Connected and autonomous vehicles (C/AVs) have the potential to change the way we travel - and to eliminate road fatalities. But policy makers and regulators will need to ensure user and public safety is included in future planning. The legal and insurance industries will have to catch up, too. For example, questions over who is
  • January 9, 2018
    Authorities switch on to all electric buses as costs tumble
    Alan Dron looks at changes in bus propulsion as cities look to improve air quality and seek to reduce maintenance costs. Despite the ending of various incentives to adopt alternative fuels, the introduction of electric buses by US transit authorities is picking up speed as performance improves, costs drop and air quality considerations become increasingly significant. More US bus manufacturers are introducing zero-emission models and some recent contracts will see many more passengers getting their first
  • June 11, 2019
    Ex-Conduent CEO: ‘I am not a career transportation person’
    Just prior to resigning as Conduent Transportation CEO, Mick Slattery talked to Adam Hill about the importance of digital and how tech can transform ITS. "I am not a career public sector person,” declares Mick Slattery, chief executive officer of Conduent Transportation, at the beginning of his interview with ITS International. “I am not a career transportation person. I am new to this industry, effective August last year. At my core I’ve spent my career creating and launching new opportunities for clie
  • May 26, 2022
    Changing perceptions and going green with ITS
    Entrants to the ITS (UK) Essay Award were asked to write about innovative application of ITS solutions to achieve decarbonisation goals. First-year apprentice Leora Wilson, who studies at Leeds College of Building as part of her apprenticeship with Mott MacDonald, won the competition with this entry…