Category: TXC

McGill’s selects Omnibus to optimise scheduling and drive efficiencies

Posted on September 28, 2023 by - CrewPLAN, OmniBASE, OmniMAP, OmniROTA, Omnistopdesign, OmniTIMES, Operators, TXC

Image showing a row of 5 stationary buses in Glasgow which are operated by McGills Buses. The bus operator uses Omnibus solutions to optimise scheduling.

27 September 2023 – McGill’s Bus Group, the UK’s largest independent operator, has selected Omnibus cloud technology to optimise scheduling at its recently acquired Scotland East operation – and with a seamless implementation taking just one week.

The decision extends its partnership with Velociti Group and comes following a rigorous assessment of other cloud solutions on the market. McGill’s determined the Omnibus cloud scheduling solution provided the optimal operational answers, is more intuitive and allows for scenarios to be produced quickly.

Image showing a row of 5 stationary buses in Glasgow which are operated by McGills Buses. The bus operator uses Omnibus solutions to optimise scheduling.

The McGill’s Scotland East bus operation runs 4 depots (Larbert, Bannockburn, Balfron and Livingston) in the Stirling, Falkirk, West Lothian and Edinburgh areas.

Colin Napier, Group Operations Director at McGill’s, said: “We need systems which support our aims for growth and profitability. Our extensive assessment firmly concluded the Omnibus cloud scheduling solution provided the most efficient answers first time with impressive speeds and flexibility that could not be matched.

“Omnibus has a deep understanding of the UK bus market and is a trusted software solutions supplier to McGill’s. Omnibus has worked closely with senior management in bringing the very latest technology to provide operational efficiencies. We look forward to developing our partnership further with the Omnibus team.”

Peter Crichton, Founder of Omnibus, said: “We are delighted McGill’s selected the Omnibus suite of planning and scheduling solutions and look forward to supporting the McGill’s Scotland East operation. Users at the former operation are experienced users of Omnibus which will make their transition seamless.”

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McGill’s Bus Group: www.mcgillsbuses.co.uk
Omnibus Solutions: www.omnibus.solutions

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Harminder Sangha
harminder.sangha@epm-bus.com
07538 935 568

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CT4N selects Omnibus cloud solutions to realise efficiency savings

Posted on July 17, 2023 by - OmniBASE, OmniDAS, OmniENGAGE, OmniROTA, OmniTIMES, Operators, TXC

CT4N selects Omnibus cloud solutions to realise efficiency savings

19 July 2023 – CT4N Charitable Trust, a Nottingham-based community transport operator, has selected Omnibus cloud solutions for scheduling and depot allocation as part of its digitalisation to boost growth. 

The operator will replace manual processes with the Omnibus Scheduling Suite to produce efficient timetables and schedules; OmniDAS for real-time driver and vehicle management and to deliver services safely and legally whilst minimising costs; and driver app OmniENGAGE to improve communication with drivers.

CT4N selects Omnibus cloud solutions to realise efficiency savings

The move will enable CT4N to realise efficiency savings with secure and flexible cloud solutions as it seeks out fresh commercial opportunities to maintain a host of valuable community services. 

Nigel Eggleton, CT4N

Nigel Eggleton, Commercial Director at CT4N, which provides commercial and contracted bus services across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, said: “Our customers rely on us to increase their accessibility and mobility by connecting them to where they need to go.

“To meet those expectations, we are delighted to partner with Omnibus to drive efficiencies as well as allow us to boost areas that are raising revenue to support the work of the charity.” 

Peter Crichton, Founder of Omnibus, said: “Whether the goal is to improve efficiencies around timetabling, allocation of drivers or produce accurate payroll outputs, we work side-by-side with operators of all sizes and vital community organisations, like CT4N, to enable them to achieve their growth strategies.” 

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CT4N: www.ct4n.co.uk

Omnibus Solutions: www.omnibus.solutions

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harminder.sangha@epm-bus.com
07538 935 568

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Tower Transit selects Omnibus cloud solution for Channel Islands operations

Posted on June 8, 2023 by - CrewPLAN, OmniBASE, OmniMAP, OmniROTA, Omnistopdesign, OmniTIMES, Operators, TXC

Tower Transit selects Omnibus cloud solution for LibertyBus operation

8 June 2023 – Tower Transit, which operates bus services in the Channel Islands under the LibertyBus (Jersey) and buses.gg (Guernsey) brands, is migrating its Omnibus scheduling software to the cloud solution. 

The cloud scheduling platform will enhance collaboration, remove local infrastructure costs and reduce the demand on the group’s IT team with managed software services. The solution, which includes timetabling, mapping, vehicle scheduling, crew scheduling, rostering, timetable publicity and data sharing, will also allow Tower Transit to scale seamlessly to meet future growth needs.

Tower Transit selects Omnibus cloud solution for LibertyBus operation

Vince Dalzell, Tower Transit Operations Director

Vince Dalzell, Operations Director at Tower Transit, part of Australian based multi-modal transport and tourism operator Kelsian Group, said: “With the expansion of our scheduling team, who work from different locations, we needed a solution that allowed for greater collaboration to enable geographically dispersed teams to collaborate on tasks simultaneously. There was also a need to decommission the desktop Omnibus software to support our cloud business strategy. 

“Omnibus is a trusted partner, and we have every confidence that together our efficiency through streamlined work processes will deliver an optimised network and ultimately an improved customer experience.” 

Peter Crichton, Founder of Omnibus, said: “Omnibus is delighted, and uniquely placed, to support Tower Transit through our 30+ years’ expertise, deep understanding of passenger transport and ability to develop innovative technology. Our cloud scheduling solution will enable Tower Transit to work smarter from one central platform that improves accuracy, flexibility and efficiency.”

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Tower Transit: www.towertransit.co.uk

Omnibus Solutions: www.omnibus.solutions

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harminder.sangha@epm-bus.com
07538 935 568

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Reading Buses adopts Omnibus cloud solutions

Posted on March 1, 2023 by - OmniBASE, OmniDAS, OmniENGAGE, OmniMAP, OmniROTA, OmniTIMES, Operators, TXC

Reading Buses - cloud solutions

1 March 2023 – Reading Buses is building on its relationship with Omnibus by migrating its scheduling and operations software to the cloud and implementing a new driver app to improve communication.

The operator will move its timetabling, mapping, vehicle scheduling, rostering and data sharing software to a cloud-based scheduling platform to allow for seamless collaboration on jobs, increase accuracy and gain enhanced reporting capabilities.

Reading Buses - cloud solutions

Its depot allocation system, OmniDAS, will be upgraded to the cloud-native version of the solution, enabling the operator to work holistically across all its operations and report on depots individually and as a collective.

Linked to OmniDAS cloud, the operator will implement driver app OmniENGAGE. This will enable Reading Buses to provide its drivers with the ability to submit holiday requests, shift swaps and overtime requests along with an option to push out communication from the business.

Together, the cloud solutions will eliminate infrastructure costs and provide the capabilities Reading Buses needs to streamline processes on a secure and flexible platform.

Laurence Jenkins, Reading Buses

Laurence Jenkins, Finance Director at Reading Buses, said: “Omnibus systems already play a critical role in ensuring we deliver reliable services cost-effectively.

“Adopting the cloud-based solutions will enable council-owned Reading Buses to continue working towards delivering on our priorities such as reducing car dependency for visitors and residents and making buses the best and easiest choice to get around.

“We are excited and proud to extend our partnership with Omnibus and look forward to increased levels of transparency and accountability across the operation.”

Reading Buses operates over 140 buses and delivers 66,000 passenger journeys each day across the county of Berkshire and extending into Oxfordshire and Hampshire as well as parts of Greater London.

Peter Crichton, Founder of Omnibus, said: “We are thrilled to be building on our relationship with Reading Buses, providing them with more solutions to further improve the efficiencies of their business. At Omnibus we are always looking for ways to improve our solutions and implement the latest technology to enable operators of all sizes to make better-informed decisions about their network.”

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Reading Buses: www.reading-buses.co.uk

Omnibus Solutions: www.omnibus.solutions

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Harminder Sangha
harminder.sangha@epm-bus.com
07538 935 568

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Buslines and Omnibus partner to meet governmental compliance standards

Posted on May 20, 2022 by - Case Studies, Operators, TXC

Buslines and Omnibus partner to meet the government's compliance standards

Buslines Group is an Australian bus company and one of the largest private operators in the state of New South Wales (NSW).

The family-run business operates passenger transport and school services across 12 regions under contracts held with the NSW Government agency, Transport for NSW.

In 2020, Transport for NSW made a commitment to improve public transport services and to better meet the travel needs of passengers. This served as a catalyst for Buslines to digitalise its manual work processes, leading the group to partner with Omnibus for timetabling, mapping, rostering, vehicle scheduling and crew duties. 

As part of its commitment, Transport for NSW requires bus operators to share transport data electronically in a TODIS (Transport Operational Data Interface Specification) format. Having seen significant efficiencies delivered from using the scheduling suite, Buslines challenged Omnibus to develop a robust TODIS solution. 

Challenge 

Omnibus has a vast amount of experience in designing interfaces to external systems, having developed TransXChange (TXC) tools and a Bus Open Data Service (BODS) exporter to meet the UK’s Department for Transport standard. 

The TODIS file has to feed several downstream systems, including Transport for NSW’s website, journey planners and real-time systems. It also needs to provide the timetable and schedule data needed for Buslines to monitor on-time performance through Transport for NSW’s real-time bus tracking initiative, Transport Connected Bus (TCB) Program. 

“It was a key requirement for the TODIS file to produce accurate transport data to allow us to feed external systems quickly and seamlessly. Omnibus has a powerful scheduling solution, and we had every confidence in the team developing a TODIS exporter which enabled Buslines to meet our regulatory requirements.” – David D’Apuzzo, Director at Buslines Group 

Solution

TODIS is a comprehensive, technical document detailing how the XML file should read, and it requires an operating calendar specifying when each trip operates. 

Adhering to strict TODIS documentation, Omnibus developed a TODIS exporter which pulls data from the cloud-based Omnibus scheduling modules adopted by Buslines – OmniTIMES, OmniBASE and OmniMAP – to produce a TODIS-compliant file which seamlessly feeds external systems. 

Result

Buslines benefits from the following with the TODIS exporter: 

  • Produces TODIS compliant exports quickly and seamlessly 
  • Provides Transport for NSW with accurate transport data 
  • Has the capability to improve services, monitor KPIs and inform customers of service updates 

“From scheduling to data sharing, Omnibus has proven capability to create robust solutions for bus operators. We can now connect with customers, manage operations and keep services running on time.” – David D’Apuzzo

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Warwickshire County Council selects Omnibus planning and publicity solutions

Posted on May 19, 2022 by - OmniFLAG, OmniMAP, Omnistopdesign, OmniTIMES, Transport Authorities, TXC

Warwickshire County Council selects Omnibus cloud-based planning and publicity solutions

18 May 2022 – Warwickshire County Council will plan and publicise bus services using Omnibus’ cloud-based platform – and deliver on a commitment to increase the quality of journey information for customers.

The contract was awarded following a tender process which will see the council implementing timetabling, mapping, timetable publicity, roadside asset management and data sharing solutions.

Warwickshire County Council selects Omnibus cloud-based planning and publicity solutions

In response to the National Bus Strategy to get more people travelling by bus, the provision of quality publicity information was identified as a priority measure in Warwickshire’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

By using OmniSTOPdesign timetable publicity software, the council can create and maintain professional and accurate displays in multiple styles, sizes and formats without the need to use a graphic designer.

Derek Riley, Passenger Transport Officer at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Warwickshire County Council creates and maintains NaPTAN stops, timetable schedules, bus routes, roadside publicity displays, as well as analysing ‘what if’ scenarios and importing and exporting data.

“Following a county-wide survey to help shape our BSIP, better static timetable information was identified as a measure which would encourage more people to use the bus. For example, ‘easier access to bus service information’ featured as one of the top three measures in the results from both regular users and infrequent or non-users.”

“OmniSTOPdesign offers us new possibilities in timetable publicity that can take things to a whole new level. We will be able to manage roadside and online publicity information for local bus services, from improving roadside/in-street route and timetable information, including the use of digital displays, to integrating bus services and timetables in order to maximise scope for multi-modal connections.”

Peter Crichton, Founder of Omnibus, said: “I’m delighted that Omnibus has been successful in being awarded this tender. Our software solutions have been designed with the needs of transport authorities and bus operators in mind to improve operational efficiency.

“Our timetabling system provides flexible modelling tools that provide high-level timetables and schedules to give a quick view of effectiveness for different scenarios. Our timetable publicity software for stop displays enables users to produce information displays quickly and cost-effectively, whilst our communications and infrastructure applications provide accurate transport data to all internal and external downstream systems.”

– ENDS –

Omnibus Solutions: www.omnibus.solutions

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Harminder Sangha
harminder.sangha@epm-bus.com
07538 935 568

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Squarepeg Buses digitalises scheduling and allocation with Omnibus cloud solutions

Posted on March 16, 2022 by - OmniBASE, OmniDAS, OmniMAP, OmniROTA, OmniTIMES, Operators, TXC

Squarepeg Buses digitalises scheduling and allocation with Omnibus cloud solutions

16 March 2022 – Squarepeg Buses, an independent operator in Leeds, has selected Omnibus cloud solutions to optimise scheduling and operational activities. 

The operator provides public, private and school transport services to a loyal customer base in the city and surrounding areas and needed software to work smarter in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Established in 2009 and with a peak vehicle requirement (PVR) of 13, the operator will deploy timetabling, vehicle scheduling, rostering, mapping, depot allocation and data sharing solutions. The Omnibus software has been developed over 30 years and is designed to gain operational and cost efficiencies in the planning of services as well as making the process easier for schedulers. 

Simon Daymond, Director of Squarepeg Buses, said: “We’ve always embraced technology and our approach has been to find opportunities through software, rather than scrambling for solutions when problems occur. Covid brought this to the fore and gave us an opportunity to pause and reflect on what we do as a business.  

“We were impressed by the clear superiority of the Omnibus products and the cloud benefits they will provide our family-focussed business. We’re driven by the needs of our passengers; the team at Omnibus has a strong background in the bus industry and deep understanding of the challenges operators face which will make a major contribution to the continued high-quality of our services.” 

Peter Crichton, Founder of Omnibus, said: “We are delighted that Squarepeg Buses has chosen Omnibus to address their scheduling and operational requirements to support their future growth and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Our technology is designed specifically for schedulers and is quick and easy to use with efficient processes which improve productivity.” 

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Harminder Sangha
harminder.sangha@epm-bus.com
07538 935 568

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Rowgate Group selects Omnibus for scheduling and depot allocation

Posted on February 23, 2022 by - CrewPLAN, OmniBASE, OmniDAS, OmniMAP, OmniROTA, OmniTIMES, Operators, TXC

Rowgate Group selects Omnibus to drive efficiencies

Rowgate Group, a leading Berkshire-based bus and coach operator, has chosen Omnibus software solutions for driving timetabling, scheduling and allocation efficiencies.  

The group incorporates three independents – Fernhill Travel, White Bus and Baileys Coaches which have a combined fleet of 70. The partnership brings digitalisation of processes to White Bus, and OmniDAS, a cloud-based depot allocation system, to all three of the group’s operators.

Rowgate Group selects Omnibus to drive efficiencies

OmniDAS provides Rowgate Group with real–time driver and vehicle management, and seamless cross-functional collaboration across its 4 locations in Windsor, Bracknell, Woking and Newbury.  

White Bus also adopts the intuitive Omnibus scheduling suite, allowing the county’s oldest independent to produce complex timetables and robust scenarios in minutes, and TransXChange tools to easily share data with other systems. 

Together the market leading software solutions provide Rowgate Group with the capability adopted by larger operators. 

Simon Rowgate, the managing director of Rowgate GroupSimon Rowland, Managing Director of Rowgate Group, said: “It is important for us to stay ahead of the game and to do this we need a partner with proven solutions and a deep understanding of the UK bus industry and the challenges operators face. 

“Omnibus is uniquely placed with the knowledge, expertise and technology to support us as we optimise our resources toward the most effective services for communities across the Home Counties and beyond.  

“The solutions cover 100% of our needs. The powerful algorithms in the software maximise results, resources and non-driving staff efficiency as well as being easy to use. We are excited about our partnership and leveraging the innovative capabilities offered by Omnibus.” 

Peter Crichton, Founder of Omnibus, said: “With a 30-plus year track record of supporting the passenger transport industry, Omnibus is proud to provide Rowgate Group with software solutions which will help drive business growth by improving operational efficiency across the business. Our comprehensive solutions continue to make Omnibus the partner of choice for smaller independents up to large global operators.” 

The scheduling suite consists of powerful timetabling, scheduling, mapping, rostering and crew duty modules, while OmniDAS can allocate and manage resources, produce timesheet and payroll information, and automate staff sign-on. This allows organisations to focus on service provision without having to worry about time-consuming administration.

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07538 935 568

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Merseytravel selects Omnibus cloud-based scheduling solution

Posted on January 12, 2022 by - OmniTIMES, Transport Authorities, TXC

Merseytravel selects Omnibus cloud-based scheduling solution

Merseytravel has extended its software partnership with Velociti Group (EPM and Omnibus) through the adoption of the Omnibus cloud-based scheduling suite.

Omnibus’ solution provides users with a range of flexible and easy-to-use tools aimed at improving efficiency and reducing the margin for error when timetabling and scheduling and is accessible from any location.

Merseytravel selects Omnibus cloud-based scheduling solution

Merseytravel is the transport delivery arm of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and has previously worked with EPM on the deployment of contract management solution ETM DAS to monitor the performance of tendered routes in a central hub – reducing administration time and providing data to make cost-effective decisions. In addition, Merseytravel also implemented the interactive analytics platform EPM Insights which offers strategic insight through real-time management information and dashboards.

The scheduling suite integrates seamlessly with both products, removing the need for manual entry of timetables when preparing to issue a new tender. Timetables and scheduling data is then fed into EPM Insights for visual reporting and analysis.

The Omnibus TransXchange viewer tools can also be utilised to review submissions from operators to ensure compliance with the tender specification, making this process as efficient as possible when dealing with multiple tender submissions.

Jeanette Townson, Bus Development Manager at MerseytravelJeanette Townson, Bus Development Manager at Merseytravel, said: “The implementation of Omnibus scheduling suite will help streamline and increase the efficiency of the tendering process by removing the need for manual data entry.

“Previously this process involved creating timetables in Microsoft Word and Excel which was time consuming and difficult to update. The integration of the products and automation capabilities will help ensure data quality and provide significant time savings – freeing up valuable resources to focus on other priorities.”

Ian Churchill, CEO at Velociti Group, said: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Merseytravel, and this new integration is testament to the software’s capabilities as well as the value which is achieved with the two businesses, EPM and Omnibus, working together.

“Driving efficiency is the key goal behind our software solutions and we are committed to helping Transport Authorities improve the effectiveness of their organisation and the success of their networks.”

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07538 935 568

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Edinburgh Trams extends partnership adopting powerful crew scheduling solution

Posted on August 31, 2021 by - CrewPLAN, OmniBASE, OmniDAS, OmniENGAGE, OmniTIMES, Operators, TXC

Sarah Singh, Operations Manager, Edinburgh Trams

1 September 2021 – Edinburgh Trams has extended its partnership with Omnibus by deploying the next-generation automatic crew scheduling tool CrewPLAN – and said it is on track to improve efficiency. 

The operator needed a user-friendly solution to create robust schedules and forecast for future operational costs as new stops are added to the city’s tram network by 2023.  

Sarah Singh, Operations Manager, Edinburgh Trams

With its powerful algorithms CrewPLAN was the operator’s first choice to replace its previous system, and this was confirmed on a fact-finding mission to Blackpool Transport. 

Edinburgh Trams has successfully been using the Omnibus software to test numerous scenarios and operating patterns to build a realistic picture of the resources that may be required in the future. 

Sarah Singh, Operations Manager at Edinburgh Trams, said: “Omnibus has been key for developing a sustainable transport strategy which includes the Trams to Newhaven project. CrewPLAN will provide us with the level of control and accuracy we need to ensure optimised shift patterns. It offers tools for medium-term and long-term crew scheduling based on our organisation’s legal frameworks and guidelines.”

Peter Crichton, Managing Director at Omnibus, said: “Edinburgh Trams’ deployment of CrewPLAN is a testament to the positive achievements of the partnership and demonstrates the strength of the Omnibus software in meeting the needs of the passenger transport market. 

“With our software, Edinburgh Trams can better understand the current and future operational needs of the business and can optimise crew schedules ensuring an efficient and reliable service to customers.” 

Construction on the extension, called Trams to Newhaven, started in 2019. It will add 2.91 miles of track in both directions, connecting Leith and Newhaven to the current end of the Edinburgh tram line at York Place with eight new stops. 

The operator has been utilising Omnibus’ intuitive scheduling solutions, OmniTIMES and OmniBASE, and depot allocation software, OmniDAS, since 2020. CrewPLAN has been adopted last month along with TransXChange Exporter and mobile app myDAS Touch, which allows drivers to view and request changes to their upcoming work.  

Keith Burnett, Scheduling Manager at Edinburgh Trams, said: “Operational efficiency is a key driver on our tram networks, having worked with the Omnibus solutions and the results achieved, we are confident moving from our old crewing system to CrewPLAN, we are adopting a platform which will support us in maximising the efficiency of duties and paid hours.” 

Aiden Proctor, Product Owner – Scheduling Suite at Omnibus, said: “Our team is proud to extend our relationship with Edinburgh Trams.  

“With the current extension being built, Edinburgh Trams required a tool to produce the most efficient crew duties. CrewPLAN is a flexible crew scheduling tool that uses advanced algorithms to find the best possible solution for today and tomorrow within the parameters defined by the user. 

“Also, due to a change in the RTPI supplier to City of Edinburgh Council there was a need for Edinburgh Trams to provide their own timetable data to the RTPI supplier. Our TXC Exporter enables users to export data directly from their timetable system (OmniTIMES) and provide it directly to downstream stakeholders such as the RTPI supplier. It’s an easy-to-use export process that can quickly produce timetable data in an industry-standard format.” 

Edinburgh Trams added they “work collaboratively with colleagues as much as possible on any project” and feedback from Keith was “absolutely important” when choosing a solution.

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07538 935 568

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