Bus passengers in Coventry will benefit from reduced waiting times and up-to-date electronic information at the city’s bus stops thanks to the introduction of new satellite tracking technology.

The new technology has been installed as part of Primelines - a partnership project between Coventry City Council, Centro and Travel Coventry - which aims to provide bus passengers with faster, more frequent buses and up-to-date timetable information.

Leading bus company Travel Coventry is fitting its entire fleet with state-of-the-art Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) equipment which will provide real time information for customers waiting at bus stops.  The system will also identify buses running ahead or behind schedule and adjust the service in line with the timetable.

Centro, the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, has also installed new technology across Coventry to complement the AVL.

The organisation has introduced electronic information screens to many of the city’s bus shelters that will use satellite technology to show passengers how many minutes away the next bus is.

Bernard Delaney Director of Travel Coventry commented: “We’re really excited about the introduction of AVL which will allow us to reduce customer waiting time at bus stops and review timetables to improve our service.

“Working with our Primelines partners Coventry City Council and Centro, we will offer more reliable timetables and monitor traffic flow to keep buses on time. This supports our aim of making travel simpler for the people of Coventry.”

Stephen Rhodes, Bus & Highways Director at Centro added: “We have already seen a great improvement to bus services in Coventry thanks to the Primelines project, providing the people of Coventry with an attractive, green and affordable alternative to the car.

“This new technology will help to enhance the passenger experience further by providing people with accurate, easy to use information displays, and the punctual and reliable bus services that people tell us they want and need.”