Borders Buses has used £25,000 funding to build a new website with live tracking, real-time updates and directions to bus stops.
The funding came from Paths for All, a Scottish charity whose match funding programme Smarter Choice, Smarter Places promotes smarter ways to travel.
Borders Buses worked with Scottish Borders Council to secure the funding.
The new website offers the same functionality as the Borders Buses mobile app, and also has a “things to do” section which provides details of the quickest and easiest ways to travel by bus to local events, attractions and walking routes.
Sharon Morrison, Commercial Manager at Borders Buses, says: “There are many people out there who want to use the bus, but don’t know how, when and where to find or use it.
“Our website takes you through each step of the process; from planning your trip, buying your ticket, getting you to the bus stop to tracking the bus.
“We strongly hope it can play a part in getting more people active, out of cars and on to buses.”
It’s the latest innovation from Borders Buses, which has recently introduced bike-friendly buses to its X62 service and launched a Borders Explorer train-bus joint ticket.
Councillor Shona Haslam, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, says: “I am delighted the council has supported the new Borders Buses website.
“Alongside the new website, it is now easier than ever for Borderers and visitors to travel and discover our stunning area this summer.”
Graham McQueen, Open Fund Senior Development Officer at Paths for All, says: “The Smarter Choices Smarter Places Fund is set up to encourage people to travel more sustainably for their everyday journeys and this is exactly the type of project that will help achieve that aim.”
The website was created by Passenger, a Bournemouth-based technology company.
Passenger founder Tom Quay says: “Since the Transport Focus findings on young people’s relationship with buses, it’s further demonstrated young people want to follow their bus along the route and view it ‘live’.
“We think this solution is going to improve the user experience and encourage more Borders Buses customers to catch the bus, with the confidence of knowing where their bus is.”
