CitySwift, data and machine learning company, has been selected to power National Express’ network planning system, with an aim to optimise routes across the West Midlands following Covid-19.
After a successful initial roll-out, National Express West Midlands has extended its relationship with CitySwift in a three-year multi-million-pound investment. The bus operator will implement CitySwift’s data-driven scheduling and planning technology, which uses AI, data and machine learning techniques.
CitySwift’s machine learning models within the platform are trained on datasets to deliver highly accurate predictions of future operating conditions and constraints. Th solution has been designed to provide optimal transport networks, meeting and exceeding customer demand in the most efficient way.
Brian O’Rourke, CEO of CitySwift, said: “We’re really pleased that National Express chose to work with CitySwift. Covid-19 has forced the public transport sector to be at its most agile, which has meant the adoption of new working practices and technologies at a pace never before seen.
“The pandemic has accelerated the need for the sector to go through a digital transformation to understand how passenger demand will change and National Express is at the forefront of this, as they use our technology to ensure vehicle supply matches the demand.”
By gaining insights through the platform National Express aims to make more informed decisions to match vehicle supply with passenger demand. This will enable it to improve efficiency and reliability, leading to a better overall onboard experience for customers, while also reducing operating costs.
Chris Gibbens, commercial director, National Express West Midlands, said: “As an organisation, we plan to be net-zero by 2030 and CitySwift plays an important role in helping us achieve that. By enabling networks to optimise routes, stay on schedule, and avoid crowding, CitySwift effectively increases the number of people using our buses as well as providing a safe environment for them.
“The pandemic has meant that we need to restore passenger confidence and ensure we put the right number of vehicles on the right routes at the right times to get people back on board, and CitySwift enables us to do just that.”
With the Commonwealth Games taking place in Birmingham, and Coventry, in 2022, CitySwift’s platform will also be supporting National Express West Midlands to help it efficiently and reliably transport visitors to and around the games.
