Overcoming the challenges of BODS with TransMach

Many operators have struggled with the challenges around the regular submission of the legally required data associated with the Bus Open Data Service (BODS), according to ticketing specialist and systems provider, TransMach.

“Operators are increasingly aware of the importance of data and how they can use it to analyse trends and patterns and amend their networks” – Minesh Vandra, Director TransMach

“Our experience suggests that many smaller, regional operators, which tend to be family-owned businesses, are using older generation ticketing machines,” said Minesh Vandra, director of TransMach. “This means that BODS data has to be processed manually, which is very labour intensive and in the longer term, not economically sustainable.”

TransMach works closely with operators in this situation to upgrade them to its cloud-based system, which ticks all the boxes regarding contactless payment compatibility, BODS compliance, driver shift allocation, vehicle mileage and occupancy rates. TransMach has seen customers boost passenger numbers by more than 10% after moving to this technology.

One of those operators is Norfolk-based Coach Services, which has been a customer of TransMach for over three years, using its TM500 onboard ticketing machines. The company’s financial director, Rob Crawford, explained how Coach Services has benefited from TransMach’s expertise in systems integration, backed by 24/7 customer support: “Previously our data was compiled using an Excel spreadsheet provided by the BODS department at the DfT, which was very difficult and time consuming to complete. By doing it from TransMach’s cloud-based system linked to its ETMs has meant that the data is consistent from point of creation all the way through to what the driver sees and also what the passenger sees. Since working with TransMach, we have been able to iron out many of the issues that come from moving data between multiple platforms.”

As well as saving significant time, Rob explained that Coach Services now consistently supplies BODS files with a data score of 100%.

“If it wasn’t for their support, we would be pricing up expensive external software and most probably not achieving 100% on our data score” – Coach Services’ financial director, Rob Crawford

“If any advisories or discrepancies are found, they are easy to rectify before the data is pushed live,” he says. “Transmach has enabled us, as an SME operator, to produce fully compliant TransExchange data to all our customers, including the DfT, our web hosting service ‘Passenger’ and local authorities’ Real Time Information Systems. If it wasn’t for their support, we would be pricing up expensive external software and most probably not achieving 100% on our data score. The way the exports work from TransMach does give freedom to the operator, to be able to double check the data so we can be sure it’s 100% accurate.”

Minesh added: “Many SME operators are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic, so TransMach has been focused on helping them to reduce their cost base, while enabling new customers to onboard with us in a seamless fashion, so there’s no worry about loss of data. Operators are increasingly aware of the importance of data and how they can use it to analyse trends and patterns and amend their networks to improve efficiency based on informed decisions. In addition, the phasing out of 3G means that older machines are at risk of losing BODS data, which in turn means lost revenue for operators. All of our equipment is 4G-enabled and we are already looking ahead to 5G compatibility.”

TransMach is also a leading player in the developments being made in open and closed loop software for contactless ‘multi modal’ ticketing. In particular the growing use of ‘tap-on, tap-off’ with personal credit and debit cards, as well as working with transport app providers to deliver payment-linked QR codes on smartphones, which are growing in popularity.

“It’s important for us to provide choice, plus the ability for ‘pain free’ switching to our service” – Minesh Vandra, TransMach

Minesh concluded: “We support all forms of EMV contactless payment, as that helps operators to choose the right technology for them. It’s important for us to provide choice, plus the ability for ‘pain free’ switching to our service. TransMach’s focus is ensuring that we offer the latest technology that’s designed to add value to the operator’s business and enhance the passenger experience of travelling on public transport.”

TransMach is a leading contactless ticketing and travel software supplier to more than 300 public transport operators across the UK and Europe, covering mainstream bus services, inter-town coach and tram operations, as well as commuter, school and demand-responsive services.