Effects of travel disruption could be eased by new app

Effects of travel disruption could be eased by new app

The effects of bus delays caused by bad weather or road accidents could soon be greatly reduced thanks to a new phone app powered by public transport users.

Researchers at the dot.rural Research Hub at the University of Aberdeen have released ‘GetThereBus’, an app that aims to improve bus travel for rural customers, particularly during disruptions. 

Bus operators in recent years have made significant investment to improve the level of information it can provide to passengers during bad weather.  Unfortunately, delays and cancellations do occasionally occur and in rural areas, real time information is not always available.

The University of Aberdeen has developed an app to improve information around bus services, particularly real-time information, which it hopes will prove invaluable for customers, especially during disruptions. 

The app allows passengers to anonymously share their location when travelling on public transport.  This is used to let others know where the bus is, much like you might currently do by texting a friend, except using the app, everyone benefits. The more people actively using the system, the better it will be for everyone.  Even when no-one is sharing information, the app still provides location estimates based on the timetable.

The app is being developed in partnership with First Scotland East’s operations in the Borders.  Operations Director, John Gorman, said: “We’ve been working closely with the dot.rural Research Hub over the last few months and are pleased to be playing a part in the development of such an innovative product.  We recognise that new technology such as the ‘GetThereBus’ app has a crucial role to play in the future of bus travel – I’m delighted that we are at the forefront of that research. 

Director of dot.rural, Professor Peter Edwards, who is leading the research, said: “From talking to people in the Borders, we anticipate this app will be particularly useful during disruptions or bad weather. We believe that by using the travelling public to provide information, it will help others in the community to better plan their own journeys.”

The Android app is initially available for the X95/95/95A, 62/62A, 72, 73, 396 and 397 routes in the Scottish Borders covering an area of over 2000 square miles, with new routes and features being added in response to user feedback. For more information and to download the app visit http://www.gettherebus.com.

The more people who use the app, the more effectively it works and informs bus users so researchers are encouraging bus users on the testing route to download the app and try it out.

Search News

Browse by Month

2024

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr There are no items to show for April 2024
  5. May There are no items to show for May 2024
  6. Jun There are no items to show for June 2024
  7. Jul There are no items to show for July 2024
  8. Aug There are no items to show for August 2024
  9. Sep There are no items to show for September 2024
  10. Oct There are no items to show for October 2024
  11. Nov There are no items to show for November 2024
  12. Dec There are no items to show for December 2024

2004

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov There are no items to show for November 2004
  12. Dec

2003

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec There are no items to show for December 2003

1999

  1. Jan There are no items to show for January 1999
  2. Feb There are no items to show for February 1999
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

1998

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr There are no items to show for April 1998
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul There are no items to show for July 1998
  8. Aug There are no items to show for August 1998
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov There are no items to show for November 1998
  12. Dec