Transport for Wales and CitySwift have partnered on a pilot programme to optimise public transport services using data and machine learning. 

The programme aims to deliver efficiencies and improve service levels across the country’s bus network.

Through CitySwift’s platform, Welsh bus operators will be able to make more informed data-driven decisions and understand new travel patterns, which will enable them to improve journey times, reliability and enhance the on-board experience for passengers. 

This will help encourage a modal shift from private cars to sustainable public transport – key to tackling climate change and reducing congestion and emissions in towns and cities.

Speaking about the partnership, James Price, Transport for Wales CEO said: “Transport for Wales is transforming transport throughout Wales and the borders with an investment programme into all forms of public transport. Our partnership with CitySwift will allow Welsh bus operators to use modern AI technology to gather data, understand new travel patterns and make more informed data-driven decisions.

“This pilot scheme will help us improve bus services for the people of Wales and will assist us in encouraging people to make that modal shift from using private cars to sustainable public transport which is key to tackling climate change.”

Brian O’Rourke, CitySwift CEO commented: “Transport for Wales is taking a positive step by embracing data and AI in a smart, innovative way to improve journey times, reliability and enhance the on-board experience for passengers.

“As new mobility patterns emerge, due to the pandemic and the need to reduce carbon emissions, there is a lot to learn from big data about changing trends and how best to plan and shape bus services for the future. Our data-driven planning technology will help ensure that Transport for Wales can provide sustainable travel and deliver the highest-quality, safe and reliable journeys for the Welsh public. We hope other public transport authorities follow suit.”