A BUS company has announced an update to its mobile app that will enable customers to live track not only the location of their next bus but also its available capacity.

First Bus, the parent company of First Worcester, will be the first major bus operator to roll out live capacity tracking, as it continues to develop ways to help customers social distance on board.

This latest functionality reduces uncertainty for customers and will allow them to make informed decisions in planning an essential journey.

Going live this week, the app update will show customers a bus icon on a map showing the live location and available capacity of each vehicle in the area.

With social distancing guidance being observed at the same time as lockdown restrictions are being relaxed, this additional capacity function will allow customers the peace of mind to travel in comfort and safely.

To further support social distancing, and in addition to passenger counting, seats on each bus are now clearly marked indicating where customers should sit.

First Bus continues to encourage cashless payments, and use of the App to purchase mTickets, to reduce the need for contact between customers and drivers.

Nigel Eggleton, managing director of First Worcester said “We are constantly working on ways to improve the journey experience for our customers and with this latest enhancement of App technology it can help provide safe, informed travel during these difficult times.

“Our buses provide an essential service for our customers and we are doing all we can to support them.”