Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
New bus app helps to get passengers moving
Stagecoach has launched a new app to help Monklands bus users plan their journeys as services increase across the area.
The“busy bus”indicator will use extensive data and artificial intelligence to provide a traffic light indicator to help customers choose quieter services and maintain social distancing.
It will also offer a regularly updated guide to how busy individual bus services are in networks across the UK.
Each service in the live map on the app will be colour-coded, with quieter buses showing in a green bus icon indicating“not too busy” through to amber‘s“quite busy”and dark amber’s “very busy”.
Customers can also see where their bus is on the map and when it will be arriving, providing all the information they need at their fingertips.
Stagecoach is continuing to increase capacity on bus services to support social distancing; and strict cleaning regimes continue for all buses, which includes at least one daily clean with an anti-viral sanitiser.
Carla Stockton-Jones, UK interim managing director, said:“We are pleased to be welcoming more people back onto our buses as things start to open up around the country.
“We have already put a range of extra measures in place to make sure our customers feel confident in using our services, including strict cleaning regimes and social distancing measures, which we know are the biggest priorities for travellers.
“The launch of our new busy bus indicator is an extra step to give people an easy, at a glance, guide on the best times to travel and to plan their journeys to avoid busier times.
“Buses continue to play a vital role in connecting people with work and leisure facilities.
“At a time when people across the country are starting to be reunited with friends and family, this investment in new technology will help to ensure that people can be completely prepared and confident in using our services.”
For more information about Stagecoach, visit stagecoachbus.com/ coronavirus.