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Sector

Transport & Ticketing

Service

Software Development

The client

Isle of Man Transport

Isle of Man Transport operates the island's comprehensive public transport system, including buses, heritage railways, and trams. Their services are essential for residents and tourists alike, providing reliable and efficient transport across the island. The organisation is committed to enhancing the travel experience through continuous improvements and innovative solutions. 

The challenge

Public transport waiting times not ideal 

Isle of Man Transport faced the challenge of improving the reliability and convenience of public transport on the island. Passengers frequently experienced frustration due to delays and the uncertainty of bus arrival times. This was particularly problematic for parents coordinating their children's commutes, and for all passengers during inclement weather when waiting at bus stops could be uncomfortable. Isle of Man Transport needed a solution to provide accurate, real-time information to enhance the overall travel experience for the public. 

The solution

Bus tracker app providing real-time information 

PDMS developed a bus tracker app called 'Find My Bus' as part of the new Isle of Man Transport website. This app provides live tracking for all buses, school buses, steam trains, and trams across the island. The app receives real-time information for every vehicle, which is displayed on a map showing live locations, allowing passengers to follow their bus or tram in real time. The data is refreshed every 11 seconds, ensuring up-to-date and accurate information for route planning. 

IOM Busses
Findmybus Screen on a smartphone

The project

The development of the 'Find My Bus' app involved creating an intuitive and user-friendly interface that allows users to easily zoom in and see their bus moving along the street. The app provides real-time status updates, enabling passengers to check if their bus is running on time and avoid unnecessary waits at bus stops. 

Happy Bus Travelers looking at a smartphone

The results 

The 'Find My Bus' app has been well-received by passengers. From feedback received by Isle of Man Transport, they appreciate the real-time functionality, which helps them save valuable time and reduces the stress associated with waiting for public transport. Parents can now check the status of their children's bus and ensure timely arrivals at the bus stop. Overall, the app has made travel on the Isle of Man more efficient and convenient.