As the UK’s largest bus operator, FirstGroup runs 9,000 buses in around 40 major towns and cities and carries 3 million passengers each year. Omnibus has supplied the Group with scheduling software for over 8 years now, and feels this has been a sufficiently thorough test of the products for a case study.
FirstGroup rolled out OmniTIMES, OmniBASE, OmniMAN and OmniROTA to its operating companies from 2000 to assist with the scheduling of its services. Since then, OmniSTOP has been added, producing the distinctive FirstGroup displays seen around the country. So, with such a large organisation, how is the software used in each company? “They all use it differently, and of course it depends on the level of change” said David Houston, Schedules Manager of the UK Bus operation. “Major re-timing would normally be carried out in OmniTIMES, but of course the tools it contains will allow the whole timetable to be changed in minutes. Route changes are carried out quickly in OmniTIMES if it is just a case of changing, adding or removing a point. There are also tools that make major network changes easy, providing the user carefully plans how to tackle the job. Of course there are safeguards in case mistakes are made, ranging from copies of individual files, to disaster recovery backups.”
Whilst obtaining anecdotes from organisations with the stature of FirstGroup is always difficult, David recalled one 
of the more ‘die-hard’ schedulers on installation; “He was used to having his old system sitting in the corner. He said, ‘I must have had my head buried in the sand far too long. It truly is a most wonderful scheduling package.’”
“Omnibus software has been extremely useful in our program of replacing older depots. Costing the implications of moving to a proposed new site is easy, and the rescheduling for the actual move is straightforward. Also, acquisitions have been quickly added to our databases using the software, giving much more reliable information about these operations than we could have otherwise obtained.”
After implementing OmniSTOP, FirstGroup found that using data for additional purposes had big benefits; “Where users have bus stop and NaPTAN data available, there are significant gains to be made in either time saved, or increased number of stops serviced with information. If they don’t possess NaPTAN data they save some time, but the main gain is in quality and consistency of presentation.”
Managing such a large network of services, FirstGroup has built relationships with other stakeholders in each area. “We provide Local Authorities with various files. Those that have Omnibus, and request files, can simply read our OmniTIMES files. For others we can offer a variety of ATCO-Cif formats or an export that opens readily in a spreadsheet. Once Local Authorities purchase TransXChange import software, we will be able to offer files in this much more versatile format as well.”
A key factor to the success is the strength of relationship between the two companies. David describes the FirstGroup experience of Omnibus as “Fabulous, friendly, pain free, “can-do” software supplier. Support is handled impressively, most issues are resolved during the call, and usually simply require instruction on how to do something. Where modification to software is required, this is usually provided within a few hours.”
The most recent addition to the FirstGroup portfolio is PocketBUS, which is currently on trial. “PocketBUS will provide on street staff, with a source of information to pass on to customers, and to aid them in controlling operational aspects of the service. It will also allow them to carry out live surveys, and record the results for further analysis.”
