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AI-powered timetables improve Glasgow bus services

AI-powered timetables improve Glasgow bus services

Glasgow Times23-07-2025
The group said the investment in new timetables—powered by AI-driven software—has boosted punctuality by 13.5 per cent across more than 60 routes in Greater Glasgow and Lanarkshire.
The software creates more accurate and reliable schedules by factoring in real-life conditions such as traffic congestion and roadworks.
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Duncan Cameron, managing director of First Bus Scotland, said: "The results speak for themselves.
"Our buses are now more reliable and timely, providing our customers with a service they can depend on.
"We're proud to say that these changes mark a significant improvement in our Glasgow services, something we will continue to build on as we look to embrace more modern technology."
The company aims to operate a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035 and believes improved reliability will help encourage more people to use the bus.
Mr Cameron said: "It is vital more people start to consider bus as an attractive, sustainable travel option and we hope these results go some way to achieving that.
"However, the lack of sufficient bus priority measures forces us to allocate significant funds just to maintain reliability amidst increasing congestion.
"With better support from city infrastructure, we could invest more in expanding our network or lowering fares, making bus travel even more accessible and affordable."
The company believes the £3 million investment highlights a broader challenge—congestion.
Without improved bus priority measures, First Bus argues that money is being spent on maintaining reliability rather than growing the network or reducing fares.
The most improved routes include the East Kilbride to Clydebank service 6, which saw a 23.1 per cent rise in punctuality.
Other notable gains include service X11 from Buchanan Bus Station at 25.9 per cent, service 4 at 27.5 per cent, and service 4a, which saw the highest improvement at 32.8 per cent.
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