Gloucestershire County Council to discuss future of real-time information boards to keep buses on time

They show passengers things like where the bus is and what time it will arrive

Published 6th Oct 2020

Gloucestershire County Council are being urged to search for a new Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) service.

There are currently over 100 digital displays in bus stops around the county, giving passengers live information about where their bus is and how long they have to wait at a bus stop.

It's currently provided by the council's RTPI service, but the current contract is set to finish next year - meaning the county council will need to find a provider to help Gloucestershire's residents plan their bus journeys.

Encouraging people to use public transport instead of driving cars will help cut congestion, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

Research shows that passengers value reliability and access to information about their bus journey.

Buses in Gloucestershire have become more reliable since RTPI was first introduced in 2004, as the council can track buses and help bus operators to make their timetables more accurate.

Providing real time information on bus services reduces the wait and allows people to plan their time better.

In Gloucestershire there are approximately 20 million trips made on buses per year. If cabinet agree, a five year contract with an optional two year extension will be up for grabs to provide accurate information to bus travellers.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for environment and transport, said:

“Helping Gloucestershire’s residents to get on board more sustainable transport is vital to help combat climate change in our county.

"Gloucestershire buses are some of the most reliable in the south west, and we need to continue to help people get from A to B conveniently. Using technology we can compliment and strengthen our bus services, leading to a better passenger experience"