The UK’s First Bus, a major bus service operator, is harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to design and update its timetables, addressing the challenge of “bus bunching.” AI technology, introduced by London-based firm Prospective, analyzes billions of data points, including GPS location and ticketing records, to optimize bus schedules.
The responsive scheduling not only enhances punctuality, with a reported 20% improvement in some peak periods, but also reduces stress for bus drivers. While passengers emphasize the importance of accurate and up-to-date information, the AI-driven approach enables more frequent timetable adjustments, aiding in emission reduction and operational efficiency.
The use of AI in public transport planning is a growing global trend, with examples like Next Mobility’s KnowRoute service in Japan, which utilizes AI to efficiently manage on-demand shared minibuses. AI’s ability to process vast datasets offers a promising avenue for enhancing urban mobility and creating more liveable cities in the future.
