Stagecoach has announced the launch of a new feature on its app which will help passengers plan their journeys as services increase across the UK.
The feature, called the ‘busy bus’ indicator, uses data gathered from current trends in travel and previous journeys on specific routes. The app uses on-bus customer transaction data to determine the status of services per route and per time of day. Artificial intelligence further provides indicators to users of how busy buses are when planning their journey.
Each service will appear on Stagecoach’s live bus tracking app as a colour coded symbol. Quieter buses will appear as green, while busier buses will appear in shades of amber, with darker amber indicating very busy services.
The app is designed to help passengers choose quieter buses and maintain social distancing.
The app is being rolled out to iOS and android users and is planned to be fully in place by 18 June, downloadable via the app store and Google Play. The tracker will be regularly updated.
It comes as part of a package of safety measures put in place by Stagecoach, which also includes increased capacity on services, strict cleaning regimes and the rollout of contactless payment facilities on all vehicles.
Interim Managing Director UK for Stagecoach Carla Stockton-Jones says: “The launch of our new busy bus indicator is an extra step to give people an easy, at-a-glance guide on the best times to travel and to plan their journeys to avoid busier times.
“This investment in new technology will help to ensure that people can be completely prepared and confident in using our services.”
