We’ve recently released roster cycle optimization, a feature we’re truly pleased with and that was developed in close collaboration with some of the world’s largest bus operators. It’s a pretty unique feature, taking roster optimization one step ahead of the industry. This post describes its importance and how it fits within the general industry practices related to creating rosters (rotas).

Driver shortages are a well-known problem in the mass transportation industry both in the UK and globally, an issue that underscores the importance of hiring and retaining drivers and ensuring their well-being. One of the manifestations of this problem is lack of gender diversity. According to the International Transport Forum, women account for less than 15% of the global transport workforce.

This is the second blog in a two-part series about the scheduling implications of COVID-19. Its focus is the second period – when service restrictions are eased and agencies and operators need to think about frequency service changes and the implications of crowding prevention.

In the past several months, public transportation is facing a staggering amount of uncertainty. First, services were cut and ridership dropped. Then restrictions were eased and service changed some more. Funding, ridership and additional factors turned what was once a stable operation into a service that changes all the time. In this new world, agencies and operators must come to terms with a new reality: the reality of multiple scenarios.

Ms. Carry Buchholz, GM and Managing Partner at LVL Jäger describes the operation prior to choosing Optibus. “Most work was done using manual edits on on-premise software or in spreadsheets, with only one employee having the expertise to perform planning and scheduling work”.