First real-time passenger information provided in Kuwait

Citybus, the largest public transport operator in Kuwait, has announced that bus users in the country can now accurately plan their journeys with reliable real-time passenger information (RTPI), while benefiting from overall service enhancements. 

The operator has said it aims to change the way passengers perceive and utilise public transport with a major technology overhaul. It further stated that it is now uniquely positioned to address a major customer satisfaction issue, while at the same time transforming its operating model, and has improved situation awareness, command, control and decision-making capabilities, while providing accurate real-time information to passengers.

Around 85 percent of the fleet is equipped with the latest Internet of Things (IoT) tracking technology, the operator said, and back-office smart mobility platform captures and processes data from these units. The platform combines transit management and real-time passenger information systems, underpinned by an arrival prediction engine that it says improves data quality.

“Bus travel is now a stress-free experience for the people of Kuwait, who previously arrived at a bus stop with zero service information,” said Alvin Lewis, Systems and Service Delivery Manager at Citybus. “We are reaping the returns with a 5 percent increase in ridership thanks to the accurate real-time information generated and disseminated by LIT systems.

“What’s more, we have significantly better operational control, with a future-ready platform that enables demand responsive transportation. We have captured market share with new routes and scheduling enhancements, while significantly improving operational efficiency. Overall, passenger journeys are up 12 percent in the first year.”

Citybus has said the platform allows it to utilise the bus fleet more efficiently and provide demand-responsive services. Maintaining headway given traffic conditions is now possible and daily operational insights allow for schedule tweaks and fleet diversion to meet peaks in demand and service tapering when required.

Moving forward, the operator has said it is looking to expand the platform to further fit its requirements of demand-responsive transportation. It also said it will be bringing planning capabilities into the platform, as well as integrate new systems, such as ticketing and passenger counting in order to unify operations for smarter fleet and fare management, reduced overheads and consolidated reporting.