Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs) are fast coming due again in June 2024 — and there’s every sign that new revisions will be required in 2025, possibly on an ongoing basis. Though authorities are feeling the time crunch, those with the right tools are better equipped to meet the challenge — and, once this year’s deadline has passed, to actually translate their BSIPs into impactful modifications to their transport networks.
Across the country, local authorities have been using Remix network design and planning software to speed up work on their BSIPs. With intuitive, easy-to-learn tools that are quick to set up — along with hands-on training and a comprehensive video help-site — authorities can hit the ground running.
In this quick guide, see how Remix is helping authorities deliver on key elements of the scope of work required for updating BSIPs, from mapping transport networks to analysing patronage and demographics. Curious how Remix can help get your BSIP over the line? Reach out to learn more.
Mapping your existing network.
Remix is the planning software of choice for 500 transport authorities around the globe, and more than a dozen in the UK. The intuitive, map-based interface is easy for anyone to learn, and produces presentation-worthy visuals as you work. Transport routes can be imported from commonly-used data formats like BODS, TransXchange, and GTFS. There is simply no easier — or more beautiful — way to map a transport network.
Network imported from BODS or TransXchange files.
Classifying the network.
It’s easy to categorise routes by any desired characteristics, and visualise these distinctions. Local authorities can designate routes as commercial, partially-supported, fully-supported — and filter their maps to show only certain types of routes at a time. Need to indicate which routes are busiest, best-patronised, or exhibiting some other key characteristic? It’s just as simple to designate and filter.
Note: classifications above are illustrative.
Conducting network analyses.
Remix can help you understand and demonstrate how your updated transport network will actually impact the people you serve. Data layers showing job concentrations, car-free households, poverty rates, and more, allow you to show how new or updated bus routes impact the people who need your transport network the most.
With Jane, Via’s isochrone-based travel-time tool, you can see how an adjustment to a bus route or the addition of a DRT zone changes how people can traverse your network. This tool is highly useful when introducing new services or contemplating service cuts — how can you make a 20% cut in budget while impacting travel times the least severely?
Calculating route mileage, trips, and operational hours for each route.
Remix calculates key statistics and figures immediately, so planners can easily compare costs and resource requirements of any proposed changes. It’s the go-to resource for developing network plans at councils and authorities across the UK and beyond.
Note: cost figures above are illustrative.
Mapping key urban centres and other trip attractors.
Augmenting a map with relevant points of interest is as easy as adding pins or polygons, color-coded and labeled as needed. Toggle them visible or invisible with a click.
Mapping existing and proposed DRT schemes.
Remix is the only planning software on the market that includes map-based DRT planning tools based on data from hundreds of worldwide DRT services. Not only can existing and proposed DRT schemes be mapped — they can be analysed directly within Remix, with estimated costs, vehicle requirements, and patronage clearly indicated.
Mapping bus priority measures.
Users can map existing and planned areas where there are bus priority measures, from bus lanes and other infrastructure plans to signal priority locations. Remix can also create visuals of bus speeds across the network – helping planners immediately identify and explain areas where public transport is slowest, prime candidates for further bus priority measures.
What's next?
Curious how you can use Remix to improve your BSIP process? Let us show you how!
