TfGM and CitySwift partner on AI optimisation of the Bee bus network
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has formed a partnership with public transport performance optimisation platform CitySwift that will implement artificial intelligence and data on Manchesters’ franchised Bee bus network.
This partnership, which is believed to make TfGM the first transport authority in the UK to utilise AI to deliver more reliable, frequent and quicker bus journeys, is part of TfGM’s aspirations to grow bus usage on the Bee Network by 50 million journeys per year from 2022/23 levels by 2030.
This growth will be driven by improvements such as a more integrated, user-friendly, and frequent network, and better infrastructure for reliable bus journeys, with CitySwift playing a key role in this transition.
Founded in 2016 CitySwift’s performance optimisation platform gives operators and transport authorities insights, recommendations, and predictions, supporting them in delivering efficient, reliable and in-demand services by leveraging advanced analytics, simulations, and optimisations.
Brian O’Rourke, CEO and Co-founder of CitySwift said, “The goals and vision set out in the Great Manchester Bus Strategy speak clearly to our mission at CitySwift – grow patronage with frequent and more reliable buses. I am thrilled that we’re partnering with TfGM, supporting them in achieving this goal through our transport data-solutions, as we continue to build the smart cities of the future.”
Under the agreement TfGM will have access to CitySwift’s performance data across the Bee Network, helping to identify trends and pain points such as traveller destinations, service performance, and where interventions would lead to improvements for passengers.
Additionally, TfGM will leverage CitySwift’s new intelligent recommendation engine for bus network enhancements, called Spotlight. Designed for stakeholders, the product enhances decision-making by providing AI-powered insights into performance and resource parameters like timeliness, cost, and vehicle numbers through scanning the whole network, executing optimisation variations, and proposing ROI improvements.
Catherine Towey, Senior Lead for Bus Franchising at TfGM said, “Customers are at the heart of the Bee Network and by working with CitySwift we will be able to see more clearly than ever how services are performing. We can then use this information prioritise improvements and deliver a better service for passengers.”
Louise Haigh in her first week as Transport Secretary met with Andy Burnham the mayor of Greater Manchester to discuss how the area’s Bee Network scheme can be replicated across the country to support the government’s aim of improving bus services through franchising or public ownership.