Hong Kong operator Citybus is implementing Velociti Solutions technology to improve the reliability and efficiency of its bus services to 1.2 million daily customers.
Citybus – led by former Lothian Managing Director Richard Hall – is developing what it says is the first purpose-built bus operations control centre in Hong Kong to centralise and enhance service delivery across its operation.
Velociti’s Omnibus software suite will be at the core of that centre, which will be located at Chai Wan on Hong Kong Island. The Velociti Solutions business was created in 2024 via the amalgamation of 3Square, EPM Bus Solutions and Omnibus Solutions.
Using the platform, Citybus will bolster reliability, reduce costs, build efficiency and effectively coordinate services. At the same time, the operator will lay what Velociti says is “a strong foundation for future optimisation, growth and, importantly, driving up customer satisfaction levels.”
The solution will optimise every part of the Citybus operation from network planning and operations to post-service analysis and financial reporting. At its centre is Control360, which the supplier calls the bus industry’s only fully integrated live operations platform. That “will empower Citybus to proactively address operational challenges in real time.”
The control centre at Chai Wan will be completed in the second half of 2025. It is central to the Citybus digital transformation strategy and the precise management of its franchise contract. The new Citybus business was formed in 2023 by amalgamation of the Citybus and New World First Bus brands and has over 1,800 buses.
Speaking about the work with Velociti, Mr Hall says: “At Citybus, we are committed to delivering the highest quality of service to our customers and stakeholders across Hong Kong, developing and enhancing our offering on a continuous basis.
“Signing this partnership with Velociti Solutions is a key step in achieving those further goals and outcomes.
“Velociti’s advanced end-to-end technology will provide our commercial and operational teams with the tools to make faster, more informed decisions and improve operations efficiency, as well as delivering a better experience for frontline colleagues and enhancing the overall customer experience.
“By partnering with Velociti, we are ensuring our network’s ability to grow further with the flexibility to respond dynamically to customer needs and drive continuous improvements in both service reliability and operational efficiency.”