Bus Transport Consultancy, Fares & Strategy

Sustainable passenger transport development

SYSTRA has extensive experience in the management and operation of all aspects of bus service delivery.

We help local authorities and bus operators to design and deliver innovative, financially viable and sustainable bus services that help to deliver passenger growth and increased levels of customer satisfaction.

Key contacts

Neill BIRCH

Business Director > LinkedIn

Brian DRURY

Sector Director – Bus > LinkedIn

Meeting bus sector challenges together

Bus service providers are under pressure to deliver commercially sustainable services in a challenging environment with reduced post COVID on-bus revenues and increasing operating costs.

To overcome these challenges the industry needs to explore a wide range of options, including delivery models such as franchising, to find the right solution for local bus services.

Operators must work with local transport authorities to deliver Bus Service Improvement Plans and other initiatives including ticketing, bus priorities and network optimisation.

Our bus experts have the hands-on expertise needed to help the bus sector meet the challenges they currently face.

connect with our BUS specialists

keep up to date with systra

Learn more about our Concessionary fares team

Highways & Roads

Transport hubs and interchanges

Local transport

New mobilities

services

Fares and Ticketing Strategy
Read more sur Fares and Ticketing Strategy

services

Behavioural Change & Demand Management
Read more sur Behavioural Change & Demand Management

services

Ticketing Technology
Read more sur Ticketing Technology

services

Transport Networks and Operations Planning
Read more sur Transport Networks and Operations Planning

SYSTRA has an unparalleled understanding of the challenges and opportunities being faced by bus service providers in the UK and beyond.

Hands-on expertise in bus service operations

Our dedicated team includes specialists with direct experience of network design, scheduling, tendering and franchising in the bus industry. Members of our team have worked at senior levels in bus companies and local authorities, meaning we can speak with authority and knowledge. We understand every aspect of bus operation, from fares and ticketing to service planning and business model restructuring. It means we are uniquely positioned to help authorities and operators find practical solutions to their unique transport challenges.

Developing passenger transport solutions

Whatever the circumstances, we identify and robustly model deliverable solutions that offer cost-effective, enhanced bus travel opportunities. We set out the implications of each option, to help our clients choose the optimum solution. Then we help to deliver the chosen solution, using our experience of managing transition and our long track record of successful implementation.

SYSTRa case studies

One-stop shop for bus service improvements

SYSTRA offers a true one-stop shop for every aspect of bus service planning, management and delivery. We plan our solutions around the journeys made by customers, from journey planning, ticketing infrastructure and bus priority measures to network design, driver training, operations and engineering reviews, and customer satisfaction surveys.

Through customer research and demand forecasting, we can provide service providers with the insights required to shape bus services, scheduling and routes. We understand the funding mechanisms available and can help clients to make successful funding applications for bus improvement programmes.

Bus ticketing and fare strategies

We have unrivalled experience in fares strategy, payments and ticketing technology. Our ticketing experts provide a range of services, from strategic advice on ticketing and fares policies to the introduction and delivery of multi-operator and multi-model ticketing agreements, zonal ticketing, revenue forecasting and contactless payment. We can model new fares and tariff structures to help clients evaluate the impacts of any changes.

Concessionary bus fare expertise

We advise clients ranging from transport authorities to national governments on how to update and implement concessionary travel schemes. We have a wealth of practical experience in concessionary bus fare planning and delivery, from reimbursement strategies and dispute resolution to marketing plans to stimulate demand.

Zero emission buses

We also have the expertise to advise on zero emission buses, including electric vehicles, depot layout, infrastructure and network planning.

Optimum delivery models for bus services

In a challenging operational environment, we advise bus operators and local authorities on network efficiencies and the most appropriate delivery models, from enhanced partnerships and franchising to authority-owned operator models.

Looking to the future, we can advise clients on different transport options, such as high-capacity Bus Rapid Transport systems and Demand Responsive Transport (including Total Transport).