Creating the perfect bus timetable is notoriously difficult. On paper, and inside static scheduling software, the timetable looks achievable. On the road, however, things look a bit different. Traffic is increasing, buses are bunching, and frustrated passengers are starting to look for alternative ways to travel. But what if there was a way to test and adjust any proposed timetable change against real road conditions before a single bus moves?
Risk-free scenario testing
CitySwift has always focused on optimising existing schedules, generating AI-powered runtimes to solve punctuality problems. Now, we are extending our simulation capabilities, allowing transport authorities and operators to run what-if scenario testing on proposed schedules and modify headway values to test service and frequency changes. The result is the ability to simulate the likely performance of the complete timetable before it goes live, eliminating the risks that come with real-world trial and error like service disruptions and broken passenger trust.
A seamless, closed-loop workflow
This update bridges the gap between planning and execution. In addition to being able run simulations before exporting CitySwift outputs to a scheduling tool, customers can now bring the results back to validate schedule feasibility. This creates a continuous, closed-loop workflow that eliminates guesswork.
This new workflow fundamentally and positively changes the timetable creation and scheduling process:
- For Authorities: Verify that schedules are realistic, achievable, and operationally sound.
- For Operators: Ensure the schedule can be reliably executed.
Authorities and operators can now work together from an agreed source of truth, spending less time debating potential outcomes and more time actually improving the service.
Breaking the cycle of underperformance
External pressures like congestion, roadworks, electrification, and political pressure are inevitable, but unreliable service doesn't have to be. CitySwift’s new simulation capabilities give authorities and operators back control over their timetables, resulting in flexible, real-world schedules that restore passenger confidence.
Ready to see CitySwift in action? Contact the CitySwift team and get started on your journey to a better network.
