Study finds public transport unfit for purpose

More than a third (34%) of people think the public transport sector is not fit for purpose, new research from Fujitsu suggests.

Among the criticisms lodged at the sector are concerns around overly-lengthy commuter routes, as well as unpredictable services, which are creating a common lack of trust in being able getting passengers to their destinations on time.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) called for investments to modernise services, as nearly half (49%) of people feel the sector is stuck in the past.

Half (50%) of passengers also said that they do not trust public transport to get them from A to B on time and more than a quarter (29%) spend between 45 minutes to two hours commuting every day.

Rabih Arzouni, chief technology officer for the transport sector at Fujitsu, said: “Evidently, British public transport services are not currently meeting consumer expectations of efficiency and modernisation.

“Other consumer-centric sectors like retail and healthcare pride themselves on incorporating the latest technologies to improve services for end-users.

“Public transport has a long way to go to turn around consumer sentiment so that people feel they are receiving a service which is fully utilising digital tools.”

The survey also showed that almost three-quarters (72%) of respondents do not think they will see technology integration between public and private transport operators in the next five years.

Arzouni continued: “Technology already plays a crucial role in the everyday operation of our public transport services, and we have seen notable successes with features like contactless payments and route planning smartphone apps.

“But if the sector is to evolve at the pace of other digitally-savvy sectors, it must collaborate internally – among transport providers, technology partners and government organisations – to enact seismic changes that consumers really benefit from.

“By keeping technology at the forefront of operators’ offerings, with the priority of improving functionality above all else, the transport sector will get itself up to speed with other sectors and transform consumer expectations.”