British bus and coach operator Stagecoach has launched a new feature within its smartphone app to help customers plan their journeys as services increase across the UK.
The new ‘busy bus’ tracker on the Stagecoach bus app uses data and artificial intelligence to provide a traffic light indicator to help customers choose quieter services and maintain social distancing.
The feature is part of a package of safety measures in place to help people travel safely as lockdown restrictions ease at different speeds across England, Scotland and Wales.
Each service displayed on a live map on the app is colour coded, with quieter buses showing in a green bus icon indicating ‘not too busy’, through to amber (‘quite busy’) and dark amber (‘very busy’).
Customers can also see where their bus is on the map and when it will be arriving.
The new feature is the latest addition in a range of measures by Stagecoach to provide customers with vital links to work, retail and leisure facilities.
Carla Stockton-Jones, interim managing director, Stagecoach UK, said: “We are pleased to be welcoming more people back onto our buses as things start to open up around the country.
“We have already put a range of extra measures in place to make sure our customers feel confident in using our services, including strict cleaning regimes and social distancing measures, which we know are the biggest priorities for travellers.
“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.
“At a time when people across the country are starting to be reunited with friends and family, this investment in new technology will help to ensure that people can be completely prepared and confident in using our services.”
The Stagecoach app is available on both iOS and Android platforms.
Read more from CiTTi
https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/oxfordshire-to-deliver-personalised-bus-journey-updates/
