Real-time bus information upgraded across Weston-super-Mare

Bus passengers in Weston-super-Mare are benefiting from more accurate and reliable real-time travel information following a major upgrade by North Somerset Council.

The upgrade introduces a modern real-time information (RTI) system, combining new digital passenger information displays at bus stops with better data feeds to provide more dependable arrival predictions and clearer service updates.

The former system, delivered through legacy suppliers, had become increasingly unreliable, with passengers reporting inaccurate arrival times and "ghost buses" - services that appeared on displays but never arrived. Many of the existing displays were also more than 15 years old and unable to provide live service disruption information.

The upgraded system has been delivered in partnership with Papercast, supplier of passenger information displays, commercial operator First Bus, and Ticketer, the UK's leading supplier of automatic vehicle location (AVL), real-time information and ticketing solutions.

Live AVL data, collected via Ticketer ticket machines within First Bus' fleet, is layered with Ticketer's new Enhanced Predictions feature - in a first of its kind rollout - to provide more accurate arrival predictions and faster updates during delays, diversions or cancellations. Information is automatically sent to the new low-energy e-inkdisplays, giving passengers reliable, up-to-date travel information while reducing the need for manual updates at bus stops.

Papercast's solar-powered e-paper displays represent a more sustainable alternative to the traditional RTI displays historically used, thanks to their significantly lower energy consumption.

The new approach also saves money by removing the need for the council to operate its own prediction software, avoiding tens of thousands in annual software costs.

The upgraded system went live in June and is already performing well. In the same month, 11 displays at Weston-super-Mare Bus Hub were upgraded in a single day using an innovative retrofit solution, allowing modern displays to be fitted into existing shelters without costly replacements.

Councillor Hugh Malyan, North Somerset Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "Reliable real-time information gives people confidence to choose the bus, so this is a significant improvement for passengers in Weston-super-Mare.

"We've listened to concerns about inaccurate information and worked closely with our partners to introduce a more dependable system. This investment supports our wider ambition to make public transport easier, more reliable and more attractive to use."

Rob Sanderson, Head of Commercial for First Bus in the West of England, added: "This is further evidence of our strong partnership with North Somerset Council to bring practical improvements to improve customer journeys and experience across the region."

Adam Toone, Chief Operating Officer at Ticketer, concluded: "We're delighted to have worked alongside North Somerset Council, First Bus and Papercast to deliver higher-precision travel information to the region."

"This partnership also marks the first live deployment of Ticketer's Enhanced Predictions feature, demonstrating how we can build upon AVL data to deliver even greater accuracy in real-time passenger information. We're excited to see the difference this will make for passengers across North Somerset."

The improvements have been funded through central government bus service improvement plan funding.

North Somerset Council is now working with the West of England Combined Mayoral Authority to explore how the approach could support future regional real-time passenger information.