Innovation

Our key competitor is one of the most popular forms of transport ever invented – the car. While we accept that cars have their place in the transport mix, we obviously want to encourage people onto our buses and trains. That takes creative thinking.

It also takes expertise. Arriva is one of the few companies experienced in delivering transport services in different European countries – which helps us develop the right systems for the right regions.

Here are some of the ways in which we are applying our creativity and expertise.

Big challenges

A key aspect of our approach is that we take on big challenges – the ones few other companies could handle.

This goes back to the late 1990s, when we identified the growth potential of deregulating markets in mainland Europe . Building on our experience of deregulation in the UK , we have achieved a leading position in Europe that is unique among UK bus and rail operators.

That growth is set to continue – in a European public transport market estimated at over €200 billion.

Denmark

As the very first private rail operator in Denmark we faced some scepticism. However we have proved that we can operate the services more cost effectively, more accurately and with a higher passenger satisfaction rate than the state-owned operator DSB did.

Pioneering technology

Much of the Arriva bus fleet is fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. This helps controllers monitor punctuality, refine timetables and manage congestion.

Safety

• We helped develop a bus driving simulator, similar to the type used on aircraft, for use in driver recruitment and training.
• In Denmark and the UK we have introduced a 'black box' system which captures information that can help an investigation in the event of an incident.

The UK

• North Kent: We launched the Fastrack rapid bus system with Kent County Council. Fastrack is one of the UK's longest bus priority measures, and a major success for the regeneration of the region and the Government's Sustainable Communities plan.
• Yorkshire: 'Yournextbus' – a new level of customer service sending real-time information to customers' mobile phones.
• London: Control centres give real-time information on the location of each of our 1,500 buses. Controllers alert drivers to traffic problems and advise on the best routes to follow, to keep services running on time.

Italy

• Cremona: We have installed a system that not only tracks vehicles but is integrated into the management of traffic lights, giving priority to bus users.

Making travel easier

We lead the way in providing online timetables. These are currently available in Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and the UK.