06 May 2021
An Introduction to the Bus Open Data Service (BODS)
Delivering open, standardised, and real-time bus data across Great Britain—driven by Ito, in partnership with the Department for Transport and KPMG.
Case Studies
Building the Future of Open Bus Data
Since 2018, Ito has supported the Department for Transport (DfT) and KPMG in delivering the Bus Open Data Service (BODS)—a world-first platform that brings together bus timetables, fares, and live vehicle locations into one open, accessible ecosystem.
Launched in 2019 and extended with the Analyse Bus Open Data (ABOD) tool in 2020, BODS continues to transform how transit data is shared, consumed, and acted upon—by passengers, developers, operators, and policymakers.
A World-Leading Transit Data Service
BODS is the UK’s national platform for bus data. It requires operators to publish standardised, accurate, and timely information for use across the transport ecosystem.
Key features
Bus timetables, fares, and live locations
Open-access and open-source platform
Bulk download and API access for developers
Built-in data validation and error detection
Harmonised data across all of Great Britain
Key stats
250+
Operators publishing timetable and fares data
18,000+
Buses streaming live location data (updated every 5–30 seconds)
Powering Passenger-Centric Apps and Tools
Uncovering Patterns in Real Time
All BODS data adheres to strict standards and formats, making it easy to use for developers, accurate for journey planners, and consistent across the board.
Features:
Real-time GPS vehicle feeds
Validated GTFS-converted outputs
Open data license
Compatible with 3rd-party platforms
Built for national scale and local insights
From Open Data to Actionable Insight
Using BODS data, Ito developed Analyse Bus Open Data (ABOD)—a reporting and analytics extension that delivers rich insights into network performance, service quality, and operational efficiency.
ABOD helps:
Local authorities monitor network performance
Operators measure punctuality, accessibility, and emissions
DfT enforce standards and shape future policy
Aligning With the UK’s National Bus Strategy
The BODS platform directly supports the goals of the UK’s National Bus Strategy—enabling greater transparency, improving passenger experiences, and supporting data-led innovation across the sector.
Supports policy compliance and enforcement
Drives collaboration between operators and authorities
Enables better, greener, more reliable services for all
Ito and GoodMaps launch the most accessible, data-driven GTFS pathways and navigation solution
Seamless, inclusive mobility for a global event: Public transit innovation at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
In the summer of 2022, the UK’s West Midlands region welcomed the Commonwealth Games, one of the largest multi-sport events ever hosted in England. More than 4,800 athletes, including over 300 para-athletes, participated in 283 events across 19 different sports.
Enhancing airport mobility with real-time shuttle tracking: A case study from the world’s busiest airport
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Enhancing transit data quality in Florida with AI‑powered solutions
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Arriva UK Bus: Real-time passenger information for Google Maps
Arriva UK Bus, part of the DB group, is one of largest bus operators in the UK. The organisation has a strong track record of using data to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
Redefining sustainable mobility for a global sporting event in 2024
The organising committee behind a major international sporting event had a clear commitment to showcasing sustainability and operational excellence throughout. Part of this was to provide a transportation solution that could meet the demands of thousands of athletes, coaches and trainers, volunteers and officials.
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