Ticketer chosen for BODS early engagement
Ticketer has been chosen by the DfT to support the early engagement programme surrounding the new Bus Open Data Service (BODS). From 2021, all operators of local bus services will be legally required to publish timetables, fares and location data onto the new BODS. It is intended to enable passengers to plan their routes and simplify the purchasing of tickets by understanding costs in advance.
Ticketer has worked closely with the DfT, both in industry groups (BODS Implementation Group, PTIC and RTIG) and through regular, direct discussions with the DfT and its partners. To support the industry in fulfilling these requirements, Ticketer has played a key role in providing feedback, and suggested improvements, to make the process for operators as painless as possible.
To date, Ticketer has helped 50 early-adopter operators onboard onto the BODS system. Operators of all sizes have been able to seamlessly integrate their data into the system.
One of the early adopters is Norfolk-based Lynx. Graham Smith, Commercial Manager at Lynx, said: “The Bus Open Data Service (BODS) includes three crucial elements; route and timetable data, AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) data and fares data and we’re delighted to have been working with Ticketer and the DfT as an early adopter of this programme. The prospect for smaller bus operators, such as ourselves, may at first appear daunting but there is no need for concern at all as Ticketer have taken a lot of potentially time consuming and onerous work out for operators. We simply have to provide a URL link for all three elements which can easily be uploaded to the DfT BODS portal. It’s been an absolute pleasure in working with the extremely competent and proactive Ticketer team.”
John Clarfelt, CEO, Ticketer, said: “We are 100% supportive of making data more accessible to passengers, we think it is key to getting more passengers on bus. Our cloud-based solution already hosts location, timetable and fare data for hundreds of operators, large and small, so it made absolute sense for us to invest really significant time and development, and to work closely with the DfT, to support the process. Simplicity is key to this. Our focus has been on removing any potential complexities, and making it as stress-free and as seamless and simple as possible for all our operators. And to continue to do so as BODS requirements evolve in the future.”