Galway-based transport data start-up CitySwift has announced the rollout of its platform to all bus operators in London.
The British capital's bus network has nearly 9,000 buses that serve approximately 1.8bn passengers journeys annually.
There are seven bus companies operating 675 routes franchised by Transport for London (TfL), and CitySwift said it could, in time, enable all of them to use use data, AI optimisations and simulations to mitigate disruptions, optimise resource use and facilitate collaboration.
Increasing the performance of the network will deliver more reliable bus services to drive increased passenger volumes and a better passenger experience, the company added.
“Our work with both authorities and operators in multiple regions since 2016 has consistently delivered tangible results in improved reliability, efficiency, and passenger and driver satisfaction," said Brian O’Rouke, co-founder and CEO of CitySwift.
"We are thrilled to bring these advantages to all operators, drivers and passengers in the London bus network, contributing to TfL’s vision of providing the most efficient and reliable transport network."
CitySwift currently employs 17 people in the UK and 50 in Ireland and has ambitions to double its headcount in both countries over the next three years.
Founded in 2016 by O'Rourke and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift works with both private operators and public transport authorities to optimise network performance through its platform, which delivers insights, simulations, and actionable recommendations.
O'Rourke and Farrelly were joined in Liverpool for the announcement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
This news follows a year of rapid growth for CitySwift in 2024. During that time, the company secured €7m in funding and announced renewed and new partnerships with Transport for Wales, National Express, Transport for Greater Manchester, Go-Ahead Group, and more.
Accounts for operating company Huddl Mobility Ltd show the company had net assets of €5.5m at the end of 2023 after annual losses narrowed from €3.1m to €2.8m.
Prior to the €7m funding round led by Gresham House, CitySwift raised €5.5m in October 2022.
Photo: Alan Farrelly (left) and Brian O'Rourke. (Pic: Supplied)
