To most people who are interested in, or stand to be affected by it, TransXChange is one of those things ‘on the horizon’. Depending on your stance – whether you are reading this as an independent operator, part of a group or as a local authority – you will see TransXChange in a slightly different way. One thing appears to be true for all, however, is that it is on its way.

Taking the new protocol by the horns is PTI Cymru, who have just completed setting up the Omnibus TransXChange modules alongside their OmniTIMES timetable system.

Traveline was established in 2000 to provide a comprehensive and impartial travel one-stop shop for bus, coach and rail journey planning and timetable information. The UK is split into several areas with the whole of Wales being covered by PTI Cymru.

The method of timetable data input varies from one Traveline area to another and from one Local Authority to another. PTI Cymru has the responsibility of creating and maintaining the timetable database for all of Wales. To help them achieve this, PTI have been a long established user of Omnibus software; primarily of OmniTIMES. “OmniTIMES is simple to use and meets our needs perfectly” said Kevin Roderick, Projects Manager for PTI Cymru.

It was therefore only natural that PTI Cymru would look towards Omnibus for software to support their needs with Electronic Bus Service Registration. “What we wanted, said Kevin” was a system that could take the Electronic Bus Service Registration and import it seamlessly straight into our timetable database. The Omnibus TransXChange importer does exactly that. It removes the need to re-enter data and ensures it is accurate as it is supplied direct by the operator.”

“It is important for us to be ready for EBSR as and when operators start to take it up” Kevin continued, “and it is pleasing to know we are. Already one major operator in Wales has indicated that they now wish to move forward with Electronic Bus Service Registration and others are showing interest.”