Back
CitySwift, leader in performance optimisation for the public transport sector across the globe, has today announced the continuation of its partnership with Transport for Wales (TfW). CitySwift's platform has been helping TfW to understand network performance through accurate, reliable data insights since 2021.
The partnership will ensure CitySwift continues to provide access to standardised, high quality data from the region's private bus operators, enabling the authority to effectively understand the performance of the Welsh network in preparation for the launch of the franchised network between 2026 and 2028. This aligns with the transport authority’s goal to provide more sustainable, reliable, and punctual bus journeys, as outlined in the TfW 2024/2025 Business Plan. The plan emphasises TfW's vision for the future bus network, aiming to create a fully integrated transport system with one network, one timetable, one ticket, and one team to encourage passengers to shift to more sustainable transport modes.
Following the rollout of Llwybr Newydd: The Wales Transport Strategy in 2021, TfW has worked closely with CitySwift to analyse passenger and service data in order to plan a more attractive service for passengers. Serving Wales and the England-Wales border, the TfW network of private bus operators services over 1 million trips annually.
Speaking on the announcement, Brian O’Rourke, CEO and Co-founder of CitySwift said “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Transport for Wales, with a focused commitment to advancing their efforts in transforming the public transport network and elevating the passenger experience. This strategic collaboration will support TfW as they prepare for the phased introduction of franchising between 2026 and 2028; we are excited to see our technology play a key role in this important phase of the transition.”
Through this partnership, CitySwift's platform is providing Transport for Wales with accurate and reliable data insights on bus network performance across the region, having grown substantially from its initial pilot of 5 operators. With access to CitySwift’s performance data across the entire network, TfW can identify trends and pain points, such as traveller destinations and service performance. This data provides bespoke insights into where future improvements could be made, benefiting schedulers, drivers, and passengers alike.
Founded in 2016 by Brian O’Rourke and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift’s performance optimisation platform gives operators and transport authorities insights, recommendations, and predictions, supporting them in the delivery of efficient, reliable and in-demand services. CitySwift empowers public transport authorities and operators to achieve unparalleled efficiency by leveraging advanced analytics, simulations, and optimisations. With its industry-leading technology, CitySwift envisions a future where public transport is the transport mode of choice for people across the globe.
Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at TfW said: “Our goal is to create, develop, deliver and continually improve an integrated transport system for Wales, with the passenger at its heart. Through our work with CitySwift over the past three years, we are continuously working to achieve this goal. CitySwift’s vision for the future greatly aligns with our own, as we strive to promote the shift towards sustainable transportation.”
Powered by AI data processing, CitySwift optimises over 1 billion passenger journeys annually, working with public sector transport authorities and private bus operators to break down the barriers to accessing and interpreting transport data, replacing manual analysis with reliable, actionable insights. This solution enhances efficiency, benefiting drivers, passengers, partners, and cities, whilst remaining human-centric throughout.
The renewed partnership with TfW closely follows other developments for the Irish company, having opened its first UK office earlier this year in London and announcing additional partnerships with National Express, Transport North East, Transdev Blazefield, trentbarton, and most recently Transport for Greater Manchester in July. Since its inception, CitySwift has grown to have a presence across the UK, US and its home territory of Ireland, covering transport networks in all major UK cities.
