News

REAL-time bus tracking app, TransportMe, has proven a success along the Coffs Coast and nationwide since its launch in August.

The passenger app is part of TransportMe bus operating system, developed by Ryan’s Bus Service operations manager Nigel Tooth and his sister Naomi Geurts, that aims to provide a more streamlined approach to managing bus services.

Nigel said the uptake of TransportMe had been strong, with the system being adopted by busways in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.

“We have already got 10 bus operators who have purchased it from us to use it in their own operations like GPS, ticketing, reporting and then the passenger app is separate – anyone can download it to their phones,” he said.

“We’re hoping to have a few South Australian (companies) soon and New Zealand are looking at it and a couple in Western Australia as well.”

Nigel said the TrasnportMe system and app filled a gap in the bus industry by offering interactive engagement between the buses and customers.

“I think it’s generated a lot of interest because it’s quite innovative and affordable for operators but it also has that added benefit to give a direct connection to the public which there’s nothing really like out there. You have the real-time apps in Sydney but even they don’t track a particular route,” he said.

The app creates increased accountability on bus services to be on time, and Nigel said Ryan’s had a pretty good report so far according to the app.

“Ryan’s Bus Service transports 30-40,000 public passengers annually … Our services are pretty well on time and there’s no real issues there,” he said.

“A lot of the public passengers find its very handy when they’re waiting on the side of the road for the bus.”

Nigel plans to expand the TransportMe empire further at the end month by meeting with the Victorian government about its implementation across regional bus networks.

By: Claudiaj and Claudia Jambor

Date: 6th Nov 2015 6:00 AM