NEX26/45 Bus Scheduling System

Project Aim To procure a bus scheduling system (to include blocking) which will replace current manual spreadsheet methods with an automated, digital system that optimises routes and vehicles resources improving overall data accuracy and linking with existing business systems. Project Objectives Production of bus timetables with mapping functionality. Creation of bus schedules (bus working blocks) from the timetables including interworking of bus blocks across timetables in most efficient manner. Production of reports including efficiency KPI for schedules. Import and export functionality to support other area of business such website, roadside publicity and external requirements such as bus open data and electronic registration. The aim of the project is to provide automation to the production of bus timetables and bus scheduling in order to improve accuracy and efficiency, to provide reports to measure aspects of the bus network and to link with business systems providing information for the website, journey planner and roadside publicity. At present Nexus has around 200 contracts for local bus services. These could be for a small number of journey at the start and/or the end of a day, a contract for a am and pm journey to/from a school or for a full service running all days and needing 6 or more PVR. The team currently produce the timetables and route description in Excel. The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority is presently considering bus reform in the region having produced a franchise scheme assessment which has been subject audit and consultation. Should the Mayor decide to progress to franchising the local bus network, this will include a PVR of around 1100 buses of various sizes running from multiple depots. Scope Description A supplier is required to provide a software solution to achieve: - Production of bus timetables. - Creation of optimised bus schedules (blocks) from the timetables. - Production of route maps. - Production of reports showing efficiency of the network by mileage. - Production of reports showing efficiency of the network by hours. - Provide outputs to support other area of business – website, roadside publicity, - Provide outputs to support others such as Bus Open Data. Scope Requirements The scoping requirements for the timetable and scheduling software includes: - Cloud-hosted Software as a Service, and accessible through internet browser. - Compliance with Nexus ICT requirements. - Use data from NAPTAN to identify stopping points. - Service numbers - Running times (variable by day and time of day). - Ability to import bus route information by way of TransXchange, shape files and GTFS. - Identify vehicle types including a measure on vehicle range depending on type and whether fuel is diesel or ZEB. - System to optimise vehicle workings across services (interworking). - System to share running times across multiple services between same points or along same corridors.