Hong Kong bus operator Citybus is using AI and data technology from Irish firm CitySwift to power the public transport network across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.

The bus operator carries more than 1.1 million passengers daily. This partnership aims to improve bus reliability, deliver better service levels and provide an enhanced experience for passengers.

With a fleet of over 1700 buses and a workforce of more than 5000 employees, Citybus is setting up a new AI-driven operations control centre to elevate the passenger experience and boost operational efficiency. In addition to reducing excess wait times, balancing supply and demand, and enhancing overall operational efficiency, the partnership will lower costs through team and vehicle efficiency improvements while embracing digital transformation and technological innovation.

“Citybus’ goals and vision align with our mission to increase patronage by offering more frequent and reliable bus services, and to make public transport the preferred choice for all,” said Alan Farrelly, CCO of CitySwift. “We are thrilled to partner with Citybus, helping them achieve this objective through our transport data offerings as we work together to shape the smart cities of the future.”

Richard Hall, managing director of Citybus (www.citybus.com.hk), added: “Citybus is unwavering in our commitment to investing in the long-term future for our business and the franchised bus system in Hong Kong. Thanks to CitySwift’s AI-powered performance management platform, we are poised to deliver an even more customer centric, efficient and agile network based on our strong operating foundations. We look forward to this new partnership with CitySwift and delivering an enhanced operating model achieving even greater outputs and ultimately a stronger and higher quality customer proposition, enhancing our business and growth opportunities in the future.”

Founded in 2016, CitySwift (www.cityswift.com) has expanded its presence across Europe, UK, USA and now Asia, serving transport networks in some of the largest cities around the world. Powered by AI data processing, CitySwift works with public sector transport authorities and private operators including all of London’s bus operators, Transport for Wales, National Express and Transport for Greater Manchester to solve problems using performance data. Its insights, recommendations and simulations deliver outcomes that benefit operators, authorities, passengers and cities. With its technology, CitySwift envisions a future where public transport is the travel mode of choice for all people.

“Across the globe, operators are looking for ways to make bus networks more efficient, reliable and sustainable, and data-driven technology is proving to be the key,” said Farrelly. “At CitySwift, we are committed to helping cities and operators harness the power of AI to optimise routes, reduce emissions and improve passenger experience. Our expansion into the Apac market is a direct response to the growing need for smarter public transport and we’re excited to bring our expertise to the region at a time when the world is looking for innovative ways to make mobility more sustainable.”