With more data than ever available to operators, having the right tools and technology to analyse it can be crucial for businesses in the coach and bus industry.
Ferdia’s BusBusiness harnesses data technology for coach operators
One supplier which is using powerful data processing to make life easier and more commercially productive for operators is Ferdia.
Already well established in Norway, it is bringing its web apps to the UK. One of the latest is BusBusiness, an online portal for customers of coach operators.
Using this system, an operator can invite a customer with a single click and the latter can set up an account. Particularly useful for regular customers and especially those which might make frequent similar requests, the portal allows these to gain a price quotation or make a direct booking.
Users can map the proposed trips using the Google Maps integration. They can also select from “predefined” offerings. For example, an operator might have a set price for a trip from any London airport to any hotel in the capital.
The customers can also see full details of past and future trips, such as arrival time for historic journeys or, for upcoming ones, vehicle location and driver name.
According to Ferdia CEO Håkon Sæther, BusBusiness is bringing the industry up to date in much the same way as banks have made it easier for customers with online banking. “Generally, the industry is lacking when it comes to making it easier for customers,” he says.
Norwegian Travel, which uses the portal as a customer of a coach operator in Norway, says: “It is a huge strategic advantage for Norwegian Travel as we are now the only company in the Nordics that can manage our transportation on this level.”
Mr Sæther adds: “Feedback like that shows how operators using BusBusiness can get better margins because you are offering something your customers want. You are also saving yourself and your customer a great deal of time.”
CheckedSafe uses data technology to aid coach and bus compliance
Data technology is also playing a significant role in the realm of compliance for coach and bus operators — when it comes to both driver and vehicle.
CheckedSafe’s system is used by operators to help with driver walk-round checks, fleet management, vehicle location and more.
The software is DVSA-accredited so can be used to assist with the journey towards Earned Recognition as well as subsequently upholding the high standards required.
Yelloway Coaches in Greater Manchester is an example of one operator which cites the system for its becoming ER-compliant.
The operator has used CheckedSafe since around 2018. It says it uses the driver walk-round facility, which it can tailor to suit the needs of the business and the requirements of the ER programme. “The transition from paper defects to the digital platform was effortless and we were fully supported by all the team at CheckedSafe,” says Yelloway.
The second system used by the operator is CheckedSafe’s maintenance system, which has templates for PMIs and wheel torque procedures, which can also be tailored. Driver licence-checking is also incorporated into the app and provides staff with information on points, offences, dates and a risk score.
“Overall, the benefits of CheckedSafe are overwhelmingly positive as the system provides peace of mind, ensuring all aspects are covered and we for one are proud to be onboard with CheckedSafe,” adds Yelloway.
The business began on the road to ER in 2021 and found many of the requirements were being met already due to the CheckedSafe system. It passed the ER audit in 2022 and again in 2024.
Yelloway adds: “I do believe CheckedSafe has played a large part in our company development and also our ER journey, which we are thankful for.”
Transmach boosts patronage
For TransMach, the accuracy of the data it provides is crucial to operators and, according to the business, its technology has led to significant boosts in patronage.
TransMach specialises in open- and closed-loop software for contactless multi-modal ticketing, in particular tap-on, tap-off validators, as well as helping transport app providers to deliver payment-linked QR codes on smartphones.
Director Minesh Vandra says: “Achieving 100% data accuracy and zero data loss is our first priority and we do achieve this, as the need for accurate, secure and reliable data is a major requirement for operators. Not only for BODS compliance but also so that they can analyse trends and patterns, and amend their networks to improve efficiency, which is based on informed decision-making.”
TransMach manages the whole system integration via its cloud-based platform, which handles operator system integration, schedule adherence, AVL, BODS compliance, driver shift allocation and occupancy rates. The business reports it has seen customers increase passenger numbers by more than 10% after moving to this technology.
“Equally important is choosing the right technology which is appropriate to their operation,” adds Minesh.
“While supporting all forms of cEMV contactless payment, it’s important for TransMach to provide choice and hassle-free switching. TransMach’s focus is ensuring that it offers the latest technology and uses standard APIs for data exchange that are designed to add value to the operator’s business and enhance the passenger experience.”
That includes a tailor-made GPS tracking app to show where the bus is at any time. Other developments include work on updating booking systems in real-time, which monitors “no shows”, so that tickets can be made available for resale.
ShuttleID for school transport
That data is crucial to achieving efficiency and adding value is highlighted by ShuttleID, which produces a digital ticketing platform for school transport.
With some councils extending the qualifying distance for free school transport, this reduces available work for operators.
Reliable and accurate data could facilitate smaller but targeted efficiencies and avoid such cuts, believes ShuttleID. Instead of reducing margins on school and staff shuttle services and risking a race to the bottom, savvy operators are instead prioritising efficiency and value for money.
Advanced reporting in ShuttleID identifies pass-holders with low or no activity, allowing clients to fine-tune demand accurately or better prioritise users currently on a waiting list
ShuttleID is enabling operators and their clients to harness data in ways that were previously unviable. Inclusive digital passes containing a QR code can be printed, used on a smartphone, and also on “brick” phones for younger students.
Drivers are equipped with a simple app which works on any low-cost mobile device. Drivers benefit from accurate and hands-free pass validation, while operators and clients gain visibility into transport network activity.
Advanced reporting in ShuttleID identifies pass-holders with low or no activity, allowing clients to fine-tune demand accurately or better prioritise users currently on a waiting list. Summary reports also analyse route- and journey-level loadings over time, identifying cost savings through optimised vehicle allocation, route adjustments, and service consolidation.
Operators can optionally use the same driver app to power live vehicle tracking for passengers and parent boarding notifications for safeguarding to deliver a quality user experience. Historic vehicle tracking for operators and their clients enables further efficiencies by highlighting segments of journeys which are performing poorly.
By leveraging data-driven technology, transport operators can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall service reliability while retaining independent control of their own smarter, more sustainable contract work.
