Project Summary

Incremental Solutions propose a novel proof of concept bus and train journey planning smartphone application, formed through data fusion of their existing GPS, train capacity data, open data schedules and train cleaning updates. The purpose of this project is to significantly enhance the information that is currently available to the general public, particularly during and post COVID-19, to allow greater clarity and assurance that using public transport is a safe means travel.

Project Achievements

The project was split into 3 phases:

• Data fusion – collation of all data into an API database, including live bus and train positions and timetables; ‘cleanliness’ of the trains; ‘crowding’ of the trains
• G2G App – development of the proof-of-concept customer app by way of three, two-week ‘sprints’
• User Consultation – Proof of concept App shared with TOC customers for feedback. The key barrier was related to bus data being significantly different to the rail data in which Incremental has deep knowledge and experience. Updates on train cleanliness and crowding were not readily available, but Incremental proposed an extension of its Digital Forms App to allow traincrew to submit reports digitally. Incremental delivered a viable proof of concept App within cost and timelines and demonstrated it to Train Operators customers.

Next Steps

In the time that Incremental created the proof-of-concept App the pandemic led other companies to also respond. In particular, Google Maps now shows cleanliness and crowding information based on live passenger feedback. Given this backdrop, the business case is not strong enough for further development of the successful proof of concept App. An intelligent multimodal journey planner is something that still does not exist today and so further development of those aspects of the App is being reviewed.