Driving the future of public transit with data-driven insight

What if the future of public transit isn’t shaped by policy announcements or political shifts, but by data? While headlines in the public transit world often spotlight big-picture reforms, the real signal of lasting improvement is something less visible yet far more powerful: the quality of our transit data, and how we use it.

At Interchange UK, a gathering of public transit leaders and thinkers, it became clear that delivering consistently excellent transit experiences for passengers starts with building a strong foundation of accurate, timely and actionable data.

‍Data maturity and continuous improvement

High-quality data unlocks a culture of continuous improvement, which is seen as the foundation for offering a public transit service that can adapt to the changing needs of society.

The Interchange UK audience was diverse enough to ensure that this discussion wasn't limited to the major metropolitan areas. Organisations such as England's Economic Heartland and Transport Focus were clear that an excellent public transit experience is just as important in smaller centres and rural areas, along with higher data quality levels.

The industry is taking steps towards improving its data maturity, which ranges from ensuring the raw data that is generated from vehicles is accurate and frequent, to actively promoting and encouraging evidence-based decision making. This shows up in collaboration between regions, especially those that support services that cross regional boundaries, and evidence-based infrastructure improvements, including bus priority changes.

By comparing and contrasting objective measures like Mosaiq's ‘Spotlight on England’ and subjective measures such as Transport Focus' Bus Passenger Satisfaction Survey, a more complete picture emerges. For example, there is something more to explore in West Yorkshire, which has one of the highest objective performance results in the Spotlight on England, yet it experiences some of the lowest passenger satisfaction. 

We’re pleased to see how Mosaiq is being used to support these discussions and the subsequent operational decisions. However, the job is not done. Some networks, including Transport for London and Transport for Greater Manchester, must improve their open data quality to meet expected standards. There are known private data sources that are of higher quality, particularly for Transport for London, and we strongly encourage these organisations to publish this higher-quality data as soon as they are able. This will undoubtedly improve the overall public transit experience.‍

AI: A tool, not the destination

Artificial intelligence featured prominently at Interchange UK, but the conversation reflected a welcome shift toward practical, measured thinking. AI was approached not as a silver bullet, but as one of many tools available to improve public transit outcomes.

The real question isn’t “How can we use AI?”, but “What problem are we trying to solve for passengers?” From that starting point, solutions (whether they involve AI or not) can be evaluated based on how effectively they serve passengers’ needs. This kind of purpose-led thinking ensures that technology remains in service to the public, not the other way around.

While AI is already being used to support productivity and decision-making in the sector, its broader application in public transit demands careful consideration. For example, there has been some caution around deploying AI-powered systems such as autonomous vehicles. If left unchecked, these solutions can introduce new challenges, such as increased congestion or a shift away from shared transport models, in ways that may not align with urban planning goals or sustainability targets.

The future of mobility isn’t about chasing the latest trend. It’s about making thoughtful, data-informed decisions that enable better experiences for passengers and stronger outcomes for communities. AI can play a role in that future, but only when used with intention, care, and a clear understanding of its place in the wider system.

‍Supporting smarter decisions with data

At Snapper Services, we believe that better data leads to better decisions - and that’s exactly why we built the Mosaiq Transit Intelligence Suite, which is designed to support continuous improvement efforts quickly, across networks of all shapes and sizes. 

With Mosaiq, public transit agencies can make smarter decisions based on accurate, actionable data. Whether it's improving operational efficiency, like reducing early-running or tracking On-Time Performance KPIs, Mosaiq provides the tools needed to meet the evolving demands of modern transit systems.

By harnessing the full potential of data, we can shape a future of public transit that is not only more efficient but also more connected and inclusive, ensuring a better experience for every passenger.