Blackpool Transport, a prominent coastal resort operator, grappled with the intricacies of managing a fluctuating passenger transport network. The ebb and flow of residents and tourists, combined with seasonal spikes in demand, necessitated a robust scheduling solution to effectively coordinate its bus fleet and light rail system.
More than two decades ago, Blackpool Transport sought a tailored approach to address its unique challenges. Partnering with Omnibus proved pivotal, empowering the operator to navigate market dynamics and deliver consistent, reliable passenger transport services.
Network Planner Simon Harris, a vital member of Blackpool Transport’s commercial team since 2014, attests to the transformative impact of Omnibus software: “With Omnibus software, we can tailor schedules to different days, weeks and seasons. Manual scheduling would be unmanageable. The software ensures year-round reliability – efficient in winter’s lull and steadfast amidst summer congestion.”
Shortly after joining the commercial team, Simon attended our manual scheduling course, a decision that proved instrumental in his professional journey. His testimonial underscores the training’s significance: “In those two days, I gleaned insights surpassing those from weeks or months of other courses.”
This training went beyond timetable drafting, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of running a bus service, including resource management, efficiency optimisation and industry best practices. It enriched Simon’s knowledge of scheduling methodologies.
Facilitating network-wide improvement
Armed with newfound insights, Simon spearheaded transformative initiatives across Blackpool’s transport network. He revitalised the once-unreliable Service 7 timetable, leading to an increase in reliability and ridership. His success propelled broader
enhancements, culminating in a comprehensive network redesign prioritising reliability and passenger satisfaction.
Commitment to excellence
Blackpool Transport’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering as it navigates the ever-changing bus landscape. To further enhance operational efficiency, Blackpool Transport upgraded to our cloud-based scheduling solution, marking another milestone in their pursuit of delivering high-quality, passenger-focused services.
