CitySwift, leader in performance optimisation for the public transport sector across the globe, has partnered with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), local government body responsible for transport in Greater Manchester. This partnership looks to power the future of Manchester’s public transport network through the use of AI and data.  

This move makes TfGM the first franchised transport authority in the UK to utilise AI to deliver more reliable, frequent and quicker bus journeys.  

Around half of the bus network in Greater Manchester is under local control, with the remaining half joining in from 5th January 2025. 

The Bee Network aims to grow the bus use by around to 30% by 2030 from 2022/2023 levels, equating to nearly 50 million additional bus journeys annually. This growth will be driven by improvements such as a more integrated, user-friendly, and frequent network, and better infrastructure for reliable bus journeys, with CitySwift playing a key role in this transition.  

Founded in 2016 by Brian O’Rourke and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift’s performance optimisation platform gives operators and transport authorities insights, recommendations, and predictions, supporting them in the delivery of efficient, reliable and in-demand services. CitySwift empowers public transport authorities and operators to achieve unparalleled efficiency by leveraging advanced analytics, simulations, and optimisations. With its easy-to-use industry-leading technology, CitySwift envisions a future where public transport is the travel mode of choice for all people. 

Speaking on today’s announcement, Brian O’Rourke, CEO and Co-founder of CitySwift said “The goals and vision set out in the Great Manchester Bus Strategy speak clearly to our mission at CitySwift – grow patronage with frequent and more reliable buses.. I am thrilled that we’re partnering with TfGM, supporting them in achieving this goal through our transport data-solutions, as we continue to build the smart cities of the future.” 

Through this partnership, TfGM will have access to CitySwift’s performance data across the entire Bee Network, helping to identify trends and pain points such as traveller destinations and service performance, allowing them to recognise where improvements should be made to benefit passengers.

Additionally TfGM will leverage CitySwift’s latest product offering, Spotlight, a globally leading intelligent recommendation engine for bus network enhancements. Designed for stakeholders, the product enhances decision-making by providing AI-powered insights into performance and resource parameters like timeliness, cost, and vehicle numbers through scanning the whole network, executing optimisation variations, and proposing ROI improvements.  

Catherine Towey, Senior Lead for Bus Franchising at TfGM said: “Customers are at the heart of the Bee Network and by working with CitySwift we will be able to see more clearly than ever how services are performing.  

“We can then use this information prioritise improvements and deliver a better service for passengers.” 

Powered by AI data processing, CitySwift optimises over 1 billion passenger journeys annually, working with public sector transport authorities and private bus operators to break down the barriers to accessing and interpreting transport data, replacing manual analysis with reliable, actionable insights. This solution enhances efficiency, benefiting drivers, passengers, partners, and cities, whilst remaining human-centric throughout.  

This news follows a series of other partnerships for the data transportation company across the UK, including National Express, Transport North East, Transdev Blazefield, and trentbarton. Since its inception, CitySwift has grown to have a presence across the UK, US and its home territory of Ireland, covering transport networks in all major UK cities. 

Editor’s Notes

Photo caption: Catherine Towey, TfGM’s Senior Bus Franchising Lead, and Philip Lavin, Strategic Account Director for CitySwift.

About CitySwift
www.cityswift.com

Founded by Alan Farrelly and Brian O’Rourke, CitySwift powers data-driven decision making for major transport networks across the globe. Launched in 2016, CitySwift’s performance optimisation platform gives operators and transport authorities insights, recommendations, and predictions, supporting them in the delivery of efficient, reliable and in-demand services. With its accessible and industry-leading technology, CitySwift envisions a future where public transport is the travel mode of choice for all people. The performance optimisation platform provider boasts clients including National Express, Go-Ahead Group, Metroline, Transport for Wales, Translink, and Bus Eireann.

About Transport for Greater Manchester
https://www.tfgm.com/

As the local transport government body in Manchester, Transport for Greater Manchester is responsible for the Bee Network – Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated, accessible and affordable ‘London-style’ transport system, which will change the way people travel across the city region. Over 5.6 million journeys are taken on the city region’s roads, trains, trams and buses every day. Whether it’s working with operators to keep journeys on track, or using technology to make it easier to travel, TfGM always puts passengers first to help make travel as safe and simple as possible.