McGill’s Buses advances digital transformation to increase bus ridership

Credit: McGill's Buses

Scotland’s largest independent bus company, McGill’s Buses, has announced that it has launched the second stage of its ongoing digital transformation to inspire more people to use local bus services, in partnership with UK public transport app and website provider, Passenger. 

The new website builds on the success of the McGill’s app, which was launched in October 2018 and has seen over 32,000 active app users throughout the month of May 2022.

McGill’s Buses’ enhanced website will help travellers make informed journey choices, bringing public transport data to desktop and mobile browsers and introducing a new web-to-mobile eCommerce feature to purchase tickets via the website to access in-app. The website also provides up-to-date information to help commuters plan their journeys, including live bus tracking and disruption alerts. Travellers can also view individual vehicle features ahead of time, such as WiFi and phone charging capabilities.

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Both the app and website are managed from one system, so that operator staff can work efficiently and save time when processing updates for both platforms, ensuring that important information is shared with customers in the most timely manner. 

Colin Napier, Group Operations Director at McGill’s Buses, said: “Our new website forms a vital part of our mission to inspire more people in Scotland to use their local bus services in favour of their cars. Not only will increased bus travel uptake help reduce congestion on the roads, but it also brings long-term environmental benefits. Sustainability is a core focus for our business as we’re on our way to having a fleet of over 100 battery-powered electric buses, so our new website launch complements our efforts to make public transport more appealing as a convenient, eco-friendly travel option for all.”