Understanding the importance of data
Public transit is fundamentally about getting people from point A to point B. However, achieving efficiency, reliability, and transparency requires the use of data to optimise routes, schedules, and overall service—all of which directly impact the passenger experience.
The GPTI’s findings show the significance of using reliable, high-quality data to drive these improvements. However, the report reveals data inconsistencies, especially when it comes to trip detection at the first stop. This data remains a challenge, compromising the ability to make fair performance comparisons across regions.
Definition of On-Time Performance in England (OTP)
The Department for Transport defines OTP as being less than one minute early to five minutes and 59 seconds late. The second observation for the market is that this is not used consistently by all regions. Several regions are using one minute early to five minutes late. As a result, the GPTI uses two different scenarios to enable like-for-like comparison.
A look at the numbers: How England’s transit regions measure up
The ‘Spotlight on England’ in the latest edition of Mosaiq’s GPTI provides a detailed look at public transit performance across six major regions in England; Greater London, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, South Yorkshire, West Midlands, and West Yorkshire. This data-driven analysis covers almost 3.8 million trips, offering insights into how each region measures up in terms of OTP, over a four-week period.
1. Greater London: Greater London’s transit system presents a unique case when it comes to measuring On-Time Performance (OTP). The data highlights that over 90% of trips in the capital are not detected at the first stop, which significantly skews OTP comparisons. This issue primarily arises from Transport for London’s (TfL) high-frequency network model, which is designed to adjust schedules dynamically to maintain consistent headways between services. While this approach is effective in managing high-volume routes by ensuring regular service intervals, it can complicate the accurate measurement of OTP.
Additionally, the way this model operates means that buses are often turned around early (curtailed) to maintain headway, which can result in trips being recorded as starting from a mid-point rather than completing their full route. This curtailment can distort both the distance and time data that’s used to assess OTP. Furthermore, ageing hardware on vehicles may not register when a bus departs from the first stop, leading to incomplete or delayed detection, especially at the beginning of trips. As a result, the inability to track these early movements correctly makes it challenging to assess the actual performance of the system and contributes to the discrepancies in OTP measurement across Greater London. This data has its own section in the index which explains further the significance of the undetected data at the first stop.
2. West Midlands and West Yorkshire:
These regions stood out for their relatively strong OTP performance. Both regions saw around 73% of trips fall within the OTP range of -1 minute to +4.59 seconds, showcasing commendable punctuality in their transit systems.
3. Greater Manchester:
Greater Manchester made an impressive achievement with its OTP performance. Not only did they achieve an on-time roll out of the new franchising system in early January 2025, the region successfully kept early running to under 1% of trips, a notable feat considering the transition. This is an excellent foundation to build upon. The next area to target is first-stop detection which has room for improvement.
4. Merseyside and West Yorkshire:
Both Merseyside and West Yorkshire displayed remarkable improvements in late-running scenarios, where trips were adjusted to the OTP range of -1 minute to +5.59 seconds. In both regions, around 8% of trips experienced late departures.
The hidden challenge of data gaps
While the results are promising in many respects, the index also highlights significant challenges related to data quality, particularly concerning trip detection. The report emphasises the need for consistent, transparent data to ensure accurate performance evaluations.
Snapper Services CEO Miki Szikszai believes quality data is essential to make meaningful improvements in public transit: “Without high-quality, publicly available data, it’s difficult for stakeholders to accurately assess transit performance and make necessary adjustments. The challenge now lies in ensuring that this data is not only available but easily accessible and reliable.”
Creating a standard for public transit data
Looking to the future, the GPTI aims to set a global standard for public transit performance reporting. The goal is to provide a benchmark for On-Time Performance and other key metrics that can help both authorities and operators evaluate and improve services. The index stresses that while there is an existing framework, such as the Bus Open Data Service (BODS) and National Public Transit Access Nodes (NaPTAN), the technology is there to collect better data, but too much of it remains behind closed doors.
In the era of digital transformation, authorities and operators need access to high-quality, real-time data. As we continue to move toward more tech-savvy, responsive transit systems, it is vital that we collaborate to improve data transparency. This will allow for more accurate comparisons, greater accountability, and ultimately, better services for everyone.
Why this matters to public transit users
For passengers, the implications of these findings are clear. Transparent and accessible data is the foundation of a public transit system that is responsive to the needs of its users. When transit authorities and operators have high-quality data, they can make informed decisions that lead to more reliable services, better scheduling, and fewer delays—all of which contribute to a more efficient, enjoyable experience.
As transit systems evolve, having accurate data will not only improve services but will also ensure that public transit remains adaptable in the face of growing demands. The more that authorities and operators work together to close these data gaps, the more likely we are to see a transit system that serves everyone effectively.
Hop on-board: Join the movement
The GPTI invites stakeholders from all corners of the transit ecosystem to join in the effort to improve public transit performance. Whether you’re a local authority, a transit operator, or a passenger who cares about the future of public transit, there are many ways you can contribute to the conversation. The next step is for local authorities and operators to take a closer look at their own publicly reported data, identify areas for improvement, and push for the transparency needed to drive meaningful change.
Szikszai adds: “In today’s fast-paced world, where data drives innovation and progress, it's clear that the future of public transit depends on the quality of the data we collect. By focusing on transparency, consistency, and accessibility, England—and the world—can take the next steps toward building a more reliable, efficient, and passenger-friendly transit system for all.”
The second edition of the Mosaiq Global Public Transit Index will be released in March. Get exclusive access to the latest On-Time Performance results from around the world—sign up now to receive the report directly in your inbox.
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