Highland Council has adopted the Omnibus suite of software solutions from Velociti Solutions to boost the efficiency of its public and school transport operations.
The Omnibus platform provides tools for timetabling, vehicle scheduling, mapping and data integration via TransXChange. Velociti Solutions says the team at Highland Council will be able to model complex timetables, adjust bus routes with greater flexibility and “automate key aspects” of the operation.
The shift to a purpose-built digital platform marks a departure from the council’s previous process, in which data sharing was done manually with the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS). Highland Council says it is expected to improve scheduling accuracy, reduce the risk of errors and support growth of its bus services, which has expanded to 20 since January 2023.
Says Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Ken Gowans: “Implementing the Omnibus software suite from Velociti Solutions was the obvious next step for us. Previously, we relied on spreadsheets, which are time-consuming and more prone to human error. Using software specifically designed for the industry ensures we can create efficient routes and timetables that meet the needs of passengers with ease, giving us more time to focus on improvement plans.”
Adds Nick Brookes, Chief Customer Officer at Velociti Solutions: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Highland Council and supporting its journey of growth with Velociti’s Omnibus software suite. As more local transport authorities begin to have more control over the network in their communities, it is essential they have the right tools to provide an efficient network and respond quickly to evolving market demands.”