01/02/2008

• Cambridge and Peterborough first areas to benefit from new technology
• National roll-out to deliver faster and more accurate bus service information
• Partnership with Department for Transport, VOSA and transport authorities
• Better links to mobile phones, internet and real time information systems

Stagecoach has become the first bus operator in the UK to go live with a high-tech electronic bus data system that will deliver faster and more accurate travel information to customers.

Developed in partnership with the Department for Transport, VOSA and transport authorities, the Electronic Bus Service Registration (EBSR) is first being introduced in Stagecoach’s operations in Cambridge and Peterborough.

Stagecoach is planning a national roll-out of the new technology across its UK bus operations, with Oxford, the East of England, Wales, Manchester and West Scotland next in line to benefit from the system later this year.

EBSR is based around the National Bus Stops database (NAPTAN), which is maintained by local authorities across the UK. The system uses sophisticated mapping and database management tools to deliver data electronically between bus operators, transport authorities, and real time information and journey planning systems.

Previously, data had to be re-entered manually into systems from paper records, which required significant time and resources and was vulnerable to typing errors.

The new system means faster and more accurate information can ultimately be provided to customers on a range of different platforms, including mobile phones, the internet and at bus stops.

It will also help speed up the Traffic Commissioner bus registration process and, in conjunction with other software, assist bus operators in planning their networks and making more effective use of vehicles and drivers.

Stagecoach has spent two years successfully testing the system in conjunction with VOSA and local authority partners in two pilot areas and will go live with the technology in Cambridge and Peterborough from today (1 February 2008).

Robert Montgomery, Service Performance Director for Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “We are delighted to be the first bus operator in the UK to deploy this new technology, which will help unlock the potential to exchange a range of information about our services using modern digital techniques.

“Our customers want buses that turn up on time and high quality information about our services. The new electronic data system will ensure we deliver faster and more accurate information to our customers, whether they access it at a bus stop, via the internet or on their mobile phone.

“The system will also improve the way we work with transport authorities and other key stakeholders, as well as improving the design and operation of our bus networks.

“It is a great step forward for our business and for our customers and we are looking forward to rolling out the new technology across our UK operations in the future.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Steven Stewart, Director of Corporate Communications
Stagecoach Group
Tel: 01738 442111 or mobile 07764 774680
email: steven.stewart@stagecoachgroup.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

Stagecoach Group is a leading international public transport group, with extensive operations in the UK, United States and Canada. The company employs around 30,000 people, and operates bus, coach, rail, and tram services. Stagecoach is one of the UK’s biggest bus operators, running around 7,000 buses in nearly 100 towns and cities across the country, from the Highlands of Scotland to south-west England.