Department for Transport

The Department for Transport is developing a strategy which will set the high-level direction for how transport should be designed, built and operated in England over the next 10 years.

It will set out a single national vision which will put people who use transport and their needs at its heart and empower local leaders to deliver integrated transport solutions that meet the needs of their local communities.

To help us create the strategy, we are now asking people:

Guide to what is included in the DfT NCSD
November 2024

Input data
We are currently taking data in various data formats, such as (TxC, ATCO-CIF, GTFS) from 6 operators.
The input data we receive is as below.
• Megabus
• National Express
• FLIXBUS – GTFS
• NewBharat Coaches
• Autosradale (Airport Bus Express)
• Scottish Citylink 

This list replicates what was included in the current NCSD.

On 8 April we opened applications for the Accessible Information Grant to help small bus operators with the cost of meeting the accessible information regulations. The original closing date for applications was 3rd June.

Today (28 May) we are extending the period for which applications for the grant can be submitted to be open ended until the funding is fully committed.

Today 8th April applications for grants to help with the cost of meeting the accessible information regulations have opened.

To find out more about the regulations please visit: https://www.rtig.org.uk/aig 

Information on how to apply for a grant can be found at: https://www.rtig.org.uk/aig/apply 

• Government funding will help small bus operators roll out live audio and visual updates on route
• Builds on millions of pounds already invested by the Government to improve transport accessibility
• New one-stop shop guide of helpful advice for disabled passengers using public transport across the UK 

The use of NeTEx for fares & tickets is a relatively recent introduction to the industry. The UK NeTEx profile is highly flexible and allows for a multitude of potential ways to express the data. In order to simplify this and bring greater consistency to published fares data, BODS are implementing a BODS NeTEx profile for both simple and complex fares. 

The Department for Transport Guidance on Bus User Priority has been published.

While this guidance focuses on improving bus services, it is important to recognise the possible impacts on other road users. The Plan for Drivers, published in October 2023, includes a range of measures to ensure smoother journeys. This guidance delivers the commitment to strengthen guidance to make sure bus lanes help rather than hinder traffic. 

The use of NeTEx for fares & tickets is a relatively recent introduction to the industry. The UK NeTEx profile is highly flexible and allows for a multitude of potential ways to express the data. In order to simplify this and bring greater consistency to published fares data, BODS are implementing a BODS NeTEx profile for both simple and complex fares. 

The Department for Transport are exploring what the bus industries requirements and expectations are for the Bus Open Data Service, now and in the future.

We want to work with local authorities, suppliers and operators to identify what you would want to see BODS & ABODS able to do to help you achieve your objectives and goals. As part of this work, we are holding a series of online workshops.

During the workshop we will explore:

Analyse Bus Open Data (ABOD) is an extension service to the Bus Open Data Service (BODS), that provides free-to-access reporting and analytics to operators and authorities nationally.

The service provides: