Vix Technology has joined forces with Campaign for Better Transport to shape a consistent national approach to bus stop infrastructure and passenger information.

As a project partner of its Better Bus Stops initiative, Vix will be part of a working group involved in developing a national bus stop standard. Participants include the Department for Transport (DfT), local transport authorities, operators, accessibility specialists, and other technology partners. 

Raising the standard for every stop

According to research cited in the report, Better Bus Stops: Creating a National Bus Stop Standard (Campaign for Better Transport, 2024), 56% of people say they would use buses more often if stops offered real-time information, and 47% would do so if stops were clean, comfortable, and weather-protected.

Building on these findings, the working group will create guidance for local authorities on the design, accessibility, and information provision of bus stops. The goal is to deliver a clear and consistent standard that improves bus usability for passengers – and helps local authorities prioritise investment in the stops that matter most.

Michael Solomon Williams, Head of Campaigns at Campaign for Better Transport, said: 

“Buses connect communities and bring millions together on a daily basis. Our report highlighted how important bus stops are – how they improve people’s experience of bus travel, and help boost passenger numbers. 

“Whilst there is plenty of good practice, there are also too many poorly managed bus stops, lacking basic information to give people confidence to catch the bus. We want to change this by using real people’s voices and experiences to push for a national standard for bus stops.

“There already exists a national standard for railway stations and for information on board buses, so why not at bus stops too?”

The working group’s priorities include:

• Defining the core elements and minimum requirements for bus stops
• Embedding accessibility, sustainability and digital connectivity into design 
• Supporting the rollout of real-time information and open data integration
• Advising on procurement models, implementation pathways, and local delivery

Bringing technology expertise to the table

Vix’s role will be to bring deep experience in passenger information systems, real-time data, and connected infrastructure to ensure the new standard provides a flexible and future-ready pathway for improvement for local authorities to deliver.

Vix’s input will focus on:

• Digital integration – supporting open standards for real-time information
• Operational efficiency – advising on cost-effective deployment and maintenance
• User experience – ensuring information is accessible and reliable for passengers

Matthew Wilks, Business Development Director at Vix, said:

“Creating a national bus stop standard is a crucial step in improving the quality and consistency of bus travel. Reliable, accessible information at every stop gives passengers confidence in public transport and helps make buses the natural choice for everyday journeys. We’re proud to bring our technology expertise to support this important work.”

Collaborating for long-term change

The national bus stop standard working group’s upcoming sessions will focus on progressing policy development and local implementation. Outputs will include guidance and toolkits for local authorities, case studies of good practice, and recommendations for integrating digital information and maintenance standards.

The initiative supports the government’s wider ambitions to boost bus ridership, improve accessibility, and decarbonise transport through investment in high-quality, user-centred infrastructure.

Editor’s notes

A survey of bus users was undertaken as part of Campaign for Better Transport’s report, Better Bus Stops: Creating a National Bus Stop Standard.

About Vix Technology

Vix Technology is a global leader in intelligent transportation systems, delivering smart ticketing, fare collection, and passenger information solutions for over 35 years. Working with transport authorities and operators around the world, Vix helps create connected, efficient, and sustainable mobility networks that put the passenger experience first.

www.vixtechnology.com

Media contact: chloe.chan@vixtechnology.com

About Campaign for Better Transport

Campaign for Better Transport operates in England and Wales. Campaign for Better Transport's vision is for all communities to have access to high-quality, sustainable transport that meets their needs, improves quality of life, reduces inequality, and supports a vibrant, productive and decarbonised economy. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).