Arriva UK Bus has agreed a four-year partnership with public transport performance optimisation specialist CitySwift to provide the group’s operating companies with a single source of network intelligence.
That will bring together operational performance, passenger movement and contextualised data to support day-to-day network management and long-term planning by the operator.
Such an approach will support what CitySwift says is smarter commercial, operational and investment decisions across Arriva operations. It will enable teams to move beyond static reporting and help them to monitor network performance continuously, identify opportunity for improvement, and respond proactively as conditions change.
The platform has already been rolled out across Arriva UK Bus operations. Other benefits include an ability to collaborate more effectively with transport authorities and address the potential impact of proposed service changes or investments before they are implemented.
Using simulation and forecasting capabilities, Arriva can test scenarios, understand cost and performance indicators, and optimise the use of existing time and resources.
CitySwift will help Arriva to “better understand how passengers move through the network and where service levels can be optimised” by combining boarding, alighting, occupancy and capacity data in one place.
It also supports what the supplier says is dynamic network delivery, ensuring that insights are clearly communicated across teams and enabling faster, more coordinated responses to performance challenges and emerging opportunities.
Speaking about the collaboration, Arriva UK Bus Commercial Director Andrew Godley says: “Delivering reliable and efficient services for our customers and transport authority partners underpins our vision to help shape a future where [public] transport is the best choice.
“Our partnership with CitySwift will give our teams better insight to help continuously improve performance, better respond to customer demand, and aid our work collaboratively with stakeholders to respond to changes and opportunities.
“CitySwift’s suite of tools will also enhance the modelling and testing of options before they are introduced. Having a clear, trusted set of insights is essential to ensuring that we make the right decisions for our customers and make our services even better for the communities we serve.”
Head of Network Planning Richard Davies notes how the data-led approach to improved planning and service delivery sits next to a previously-announced £340 million investment in fleet and property by Arriva, and that when combined, the customer experience will “go from strength to strength.”
CitySwift co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer Alan Farrelly adds: “Arriva is a forward-thinking operator with a strong focus on using data to drive better outcomes.
“We are proud to support its UK bus operations to help teams to understand passenger demand, optimise network performance, and make confident investment decisions in an increasingly complex operating environment.”
