Supporting clients get ahead of the game with bus open data (BODS)

11 Sept 2020 – Omnibus is launching a new module to help clients to provide seamless, compliant timetable data for the Bus Open Data Service (BODS). From its launch in the Autumn, clients will be able to produce TransXChange 2.4 files in accordance with the BODS profile, giving customers the benefit of a three-month window to refresh their timetable data prior to the 31st December deadline.

Omnibus is also advising operators that they can submit data now, before the September launch of the new facility, as the current versions of TransXChange are acceptable for submission to BODS.

Meera Nayyar, Head of Passenger Experience, Buses and Taxis, Department for Transport, commented: “From 31st December 2020, bus operators will be legally required to publish their timetable data. The Bus Open Data Service is publicly available now for those who wish to get on board and publish their timetable data early. It is very encouraging that many have already done so. For those of you yet to do so, we’d encourage you to talk with your scheduling software supplier about sharing your timetable data with BODS.”

Peter Crichton, Managing Director, Omnibus, explains: “Operators can set up their BODS data flow now, with their current TransXChange files, and they will only need a simple data refresh once the BODS TransXChange option is available in the Autumn. Our advice is to get ahead of the game and establish your BODS data flow now and not in the weeks before Christmas. As always, the Omnibus support team is on hand to help guide anyone through the process.”

Alex Hornby, the CEO of Transdev Blazefield, comments: “We are delighted to be working with Omnibus in leading the way in helping us make data more open and accessible. Ensuring information is easily available to our customers, existing and new, is a vital part of growing bus use and we are excited to embrace the opportunities it provides.”

-ENDS-

Press Contact:
Harmi Sangha
Marketing Manager – Omnibus and EPM Bus Solutions
07538 935 568
Harminder.sangha@epm-bus.com