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Roll-out of real-time bus information faces challenges despite open data compliance.

Recommendation
Technology could vastly improve bus passengers’ experience on England’s buses. For example, providing live updates on when a bus will next be stopping would reduce uncertainty and help passengers plan their journeys.65 We asked the Department what it is doing to 58 Qq 9-10, 12, 73 59 Transformative Transport Service Design Initiative (LBS0010) 60 Later Life Ambitions (LBS0022) 61 Qq 71-73, 75 62 Qq 70, 72, 75 63 Q 76 64 Q 70; Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [HL] 65 Better Buses East Midlands (LBS0020) 16 facilitate the roll-out of real-time information for all bus passengers. The Department told us its bus open data system should already provide real-time information for every bus in the country, that it is working on compliance which is currently at 85%, and that it has work to do to ensure this is used by app providers.66 However, the Transport Select Committee reported that only 16% of respondents to a recent survey had live updates on bus arrivals displayed at their nearest stop.67 The Department said it is investing in low-cost innovative solutions, such as using QR codes at bus stops to provide links to real-time information quickly through mobile phones. These have been used in Portsmouth and Norfolk rather than installing screens at each stop.68
Government Response

A response document is linked to this report, dated 19 January 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.

Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.9 yr
Report published 29 Oct 2025