The challenge: On Time Running
Passengers expect the bus at the time shown in the timetable. A bus that runs late makes them wait; a bus that runs early leaves passengers behind at the stop. To keep the right pace, a driver needs to know the scheduled time of every stop and compare it with the clock, while driving in traffic. On an unfamiliar route, or with a dense timetable, this quickly becomes a source of stress and of punctuality deviations.
How the app helps
- Every stop with its scheduled time: the timetable of the trip comes from the operator's GTFS data and each stop is displayed on the map with its name and time.
- An indicator at each stop with a clear colour code: early in red, on time in green, late in orange. The driver reads it at a glance.
- Visual and audio guidance along the exact route of the trip, so the driver keeps their eyes on the road and their attention on driving.
- Works offline: maps, routing and timetables are stored on the device, so the indicator stays available everywhere on the network.
Early running deserves attention too
Leaving a stop ahead of time is one of the most frustrating situations for passengers, because they miss a bus they arrived on time for. With the indicator in red, the driver immediately sees that the bus is ahead of schedule and can wait at the stop to depart at the right time.
Benefits for the operator
- More regular service and better On Time Running results.
- Drivers who keep the right pace on every route, including routes they drive rarely.
- Less stress for drivers, who can rely on the indicator instead of a paper timetable.
- A better experience for passengers, who find their bus at the scheduled time.
"The time bubbles are awesome these make my shift that much easier." – Bus driver using the app