A new data sharing project aims to provide a reliable source of information on bus timetables, fares and live location, making it easier for people to use buses.
The Bus Open Data Service will standardise and openly publish information from operators in England, enabling bus users to plan routes, understand costs in advance and predict bus arrival times.
“We know the value of our buses – responsible for around 12 million trips a day, they take us on the everyday journeys that make up our lives,” said Buses Minister Baroness Vere.
“But we want to create a golden age for our buses, and we can only do this if passengers find them easy to use and understand how much journeys will cost.
“This pioneering project will bring transparency to passengers, boosting bus use and helping the sector thrive.”
Information on timetables will be available from early 2020, followed by fare, ticket and location data in 2021. New regulations will mean that bus operators are legally required to provide this data.
According to the Department for Transport, the availability of live location data will boost passenger confidence, while providing greater transparency across different operators will help to keep fares down following years of above-inflation rises.
Developers will be able to add the information into existing apps or develop new products to bring the benefits to passengers across the country.
And the government said it will work with technology companies, app developers and information providers to ensure a range of innovative products are designed to make the most of the data and help all bus users make informed choices.
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Tags: public transport
