When it comes to digital technology, coach and bus operators need to stay ahead of the game in every aspect of their work
The shift towards digital in the coach and bus industry has led to many benefits for both the passenger and operator. While contactless payments and tap-on, tap-off have to some degree held back the increase of e-ticket sales, operators do well to offer it as an option and to recognise the value of a branded app.
A study by the University of Surrey, published in Public Transport this summer, used machine learning methods to predict that easy payment systems, e-ticketing, and smartphone apps have the potential to increase patronage by 30%.
Dr Wolfgang Garn, one of the authors of the paper, says: “We discovered that passengers want a seamless, hassle-free experience. If paying for a bus journey feels complicated or outdated, people are more likely to opt for driving instead. By introducing smart ticketing and contactless payments, alongside mobile apps that provide real-time updates, we can not only make bus travel easier but also more attractive.”
If paying for a bus journey feels complicated or outdated, people are more likely to opt for driving instead – Dr Wolfgang Garn
While many still prefer a paper ticket, some want to cut down on the waste for environmental reasons or do not want the risk of losing their ticket.
The latest generation to make travel choices are used to doing almost everything digitally. So, although the paper ticket has perhaps been surprisingly resilient, digital ticketing as an option is important in the quest to gain new coach or bus passengers and instil habits for life.
The ability for travellers to plan their route, track vehicles in real-time and even know the bus occupancy in advance can be the difference between someone using public transport or their car. E-ticketing also allows integration with other modes of transport, which is seen as vitally important for the same reason.
Coach and bus operator benefits and the future of e-ticketing
Aside from the gains for passengers, the advantages of apps and e-ticketing for operators are many. Potentially speedier boarding times, reducing print costs and expanding the availability of powerful data are among these.
It is not just bus which is benefiting from the advance of digital technology. Real-time information is just as important for scheduled coach services. Meanwhile, technology such as that offered by Ferdia is revolutionising private hire, improving the experience for the customer while boosting efficiency for the operator.
In future, the role of apps in coach and bus travel will only increase. AI will be used more widely to predict demand, personalised ticket offers will become more feasible and integration with other forms of transport will improve. It is vital, therefore, for operators to keep pace with current technology and not get left behind in the world of apps and e-ticketing.
Apps for compliance
The role of apps in the coach and bus industry is, of course, not limited to ticketing, marketing and customer information. The smartphone is becoming an important tool when it comes to daily compliance for operators.
CheckedSafe’s vehicle compliance platform is among the leading innovators in this regard, providing fleets with smarter, simpler ways to stay safe and compliant. The newest features are designed to give operators even greater control and efficiency, making day-to-day fleet management easier than ever.
CheckedSafe has recently launched its GB Domestic Hours app, which allows drivers to record their domestic hours digitally. The app is also designed to inform drivers and operators of infringements as they happen.
The app is aimed at simplifying the outdated, error-prone paper logbooks traditionally used by drivers, replacing them with a faster, more accurate, and fully digital solution that ensures compliance and saves valuable time for both drivers and managers.
Gary Hawthorne, co-founder and Director of CheckedSafe, says: “We believe that we are the first company in the UK to do this. It’s a highly complex area but also very exciting and again a huge industry game-changer. Most companies still record data on paper in the W20 books, so the move to digital is a huge leap forward.”
Aside from ensuring operators are compliant with drivers’ hours legislation and the Working Time Directive, the system removes the need for paper records. Driver fatigue and rest periods can be managed via notifications. Meanwhile, back at base, the operator can check drivers’ hours records and produce accurate reports. This is charged at £1 per week, per user.
Primarily, CheckedSafe is known for its vehicle compliance software, which offers user-friendly and fully customisable checklists, a powerful manager portal for real-time visibility, and seamless reporting tools, all designed to make compliance simple, efficient, and cost-effective.
CheckedSafe was founded in 2014 and maintains its original pricing of £1 per week, per vehicle. It works with a range of customers from different industries, from companies with one vehicle to those with more than 10,000.
The business also offers a fully remote driving licence checking system, which was launched in January 2023. Designed to be the simplest and most cost-effective solution on the market, it eliminates set-up fees and hidden costs, giving operators a quick, reliable way to ensure their drivers are legally licensed and compliant. Integrated with the CheckedSafe platform, it provides real-time results, automatic alerts, and an easy-to-use manager dashboard.
The licence checks are completed by e-signing the mandate and taking a photo of the front and back of the licence, and the system will then automatically check the licence based on a risk-based frequency model, customised to suit your business.
By combining innovation with simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the platform is designed to give operators complete confidence that their vehicles, drivers, and operations remain safe, legal, and efficient.
