Public transportation operator Iwakuni Bus has selected the Optibus transportation management platform as the software solution for overcoming challenges associated with bus driver shortages and optimizing their 1.2 million annual passenger trips in the city of Iwakuni, Japan.
Using Optibus’ bus scheduling software and Timetable Optimization feature, Iwakuni Bus will bring to Iwakuni, in Japan’s Yamaguchi Prefecture, a new software infrastructure to transform how services are planned and scheduled in the face of global bus driver retention and recruitment obstacles.
Iwakuni Bus delivers 1.2 million passenger trips across Iwakuni, Japan, each year.
The process begins with Iwakuni Bus replacing their home-made and manual processes with Optibus’ cloud-native platform, which makes optimization algorithms, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) accessible to transportation planners and schedulers of all backgrounds, thanks to the platform’s easy-to-use interface.
As a result, it becomes easier to plan better public transportation services while reducing costs and boosting operational efficiency.
Optibus’ Scheduling software (featured) will help to optimize bus lines in the city of Iwakuni.
The Optibus software system will also be used to improve bus driver recruitment and retention by applying duty optimization and timetable optimization that makes bus driver work conditions more appealing and broadens the candidate pool.
“There are many public transportation challenges that can only be solved using more advanced planning and operating solutions. Optibus’ software system provides the tools needed for our team to effectively address bus driver shortages and bring a new level of service efficiency to our city,” said Mr. Junji Ueda, CEO and president of Iwakuni Bus.
The iconic Kintaikyo Birdge of Iwakuni, Japan, built in 1673.
“I am honored to be working with Iwakuni Bus to implement a more advanced process for running public transportation in the city. Automation and artificial intelligence are powerful tools for planning better public transportation and running a more efficient operation, and I am excited to be working with Iwakuni Bus to spread these tools across the public transportation industry in Japan,” said Hiroshi Oshima, Japan Country Manager, Optibus.
The signing of Iwakuni Bus follows Optibus’ recent signing of Akita City, which will use Optibus’ software to redesign the city’s public transportation network for better efficiency.
Further reading:
- Case Study: Enhancing driver communication and satisfaction using the Optibus Driver App
- Case Study: How Arriva UK improved reliability and frequency using Optibus
- Webinar: Onboarding and Implementing E-buses 101
- Webinar: Focus on the People: Real-World Strategies for Improved Passenger Experience
- Video: Route Planning Demo
