QR Codes at Every Bus Stop across the EU: Transforming Public Transport with Real-Time Bus Information

On 26 April 2024, the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) EU Live Bus Stop Info officially kicked off its signature collection campaign. The ECI Forum Team sat down with Lucas Lehmann, one of the organisers of this initiative, to delve into their motivations for launching the ECI, explore the vision behind the project, and understand the goals they aim to achieve with this ambitious effort. Read below to learn more about the EU Live Bus Stop Info initiative.

What is the core vision behind the EU Live Bus Stop Info initiative?

Imagine never having to guess when the next bus will arrive, no more waiting in uncertainty at bus stops. This is the vision of our European citizens’ initiative EU Live Bus Stop Info. We want to integrate QR codes at every bus stop across the EU, providing passengers with real-time data about schedules, routes, delays, and updates. By embracing this digital solution, we aim to revolutionise public transport information accessibility and promote sustainable travel across Europe.

Why does this initiative matter, how does it impact EU citizens and how does it fit into the broader context of EU transportation?

Public transport is a lifeline for millions of Europeans, yet many face daily frustrations due to a lack of up-to-date information. Effective public transportation is crucial for citizen mobility and economic development in a modern, sustainable Europe. However, uncertainties related to bus schedules and operational status disrupt travel plans and hinder time management. Major stations often have live status monitors, but most bus stops do not, leaving many passengers without the necessary information. Our initiative proposes a simple yet effective solution: QR codes at bus stops. Passengers can scan these codes with their smartphones to access accurate, real-time information about bus schedules, operational status, and delays.

By providing immediate access to real-time information through QR codes, we aim to make public transportation more reliable, transparent, and user-centric. Encouraging public transport use is essential for reducing urban congestion and emissions. Our initiative aligns with the EU's commitment to sustainable mobility, efficient transportation, and technological innovation. Reducing uncertainties and promoting sustainable travel choices will enhance the passenger experience, foster greener transportation, and advance the EU's digital agenda.

Smartphone displaying a QR-Code and a map of the EU member states in the ECI branding.

Why have you chosen QR codes to provide real-time information at bus stops?

Why opt for QR codes instead of digital monitors? QR codes are a cost-effective and practical solution. Almost everyone has a smartphone, making QR codes widely accessible. Digital monitors, while useful, are expensive to install and maintain, requiring continuous electricity and internet connections, which can be challenging, especially in rural areas or less frequented stops. QR codes, on the other hand, offer a low-cost, energy-efficient alternative that can be easily updated without the need for physical replacements. 

A lively image of commuters waiting at a bus stop in Rome that doesn't have live updates.

Has this method been implemented successfully in any Member States before?

Yes, cities like Tartu in Estonia have successfully implemented live bus stop tracking with digital monitors. However, such systems are not yet widespread across the EU. By adopting QR codes, we can bring the benefits of real-time bus information to a broader audience. This approach allows us to replace outdated paper-based schedules and ensure that every passenger, whether in a bustling city or a quiet village, has access to up-to-date information.

How are you addressing potential concerns regarding the use of QR codes?

We understand that some passengers might worry about the potential for QR codes to be covered with something else or tampered with. To address this, we plan to use unique QR codes with a distinctive style and even a relief that makes them hard to duplicate. Additionally, each bus stop will display a unique identifier (ID number), allowing users to enter this number directly into the tracking website if they prefer not to scan the QR code. This dual system ensures that all passengers have easy access to real-time information, whether through scanning or manual entry.

Citizens of all ages riding on a bus.

Could you explain the importance of buses within the EU’s public transport network?

Buses are the backbone of public transport in the EU. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (2023), buses account for well over half of all public transport journeys. They improve social inclusion by providing access to education, employment, and healthcare for everyone, including those on low incomes, non-drivers, the elderly, people with disabilities, and residents of remote areas. Buses are the most widely used form of public transport, serving urban, suburban, and rural areas, and are the most cost-efficient and flexible form, requiring minimal investments to launch new lines or routes. Additionally, buses help ease traffic congestion, as one bus can replace up to 30 cars on the road and have the lowest carbon footprint per passenger of any motorised transport.

The people behind the scenes. Lucas and Valentina - organisers and Giacomo - supporter of EU Live Bus Stop Info

Could you share some personal stories from supporters of the initiative?

We’ve received many testimonials from citizens across Europe who have faced challenges due to a lack of real-time bus information. For example, Lucas Lehman, a 17-year-old student from Mallorca, Spain, shared, "Last year, while waiting for a bus to go home from the Red Cross, I found myself stranded as no bus showed up. This was due to festivities in town, but there was no information available regarding the bus schedules. I wasn't alone; other commuters were also left in the dark." 

Similarly, Valentina Monceanu from Râmnicu Vâlcea, Romania, recounted, "The other day in Sibiu, I waited for my bus. Although a digital monitor was present, the information wasn't up-to-date. That's when I noticed a pattern in the lack of information transparency and decided to take action."

Another supporter, Giacomo A. Lombardi from Italy, noted, "I come from a small town called Sessa Aurunca. Living in a rural area, bus transport is essential. Unfortunately, countless times I have waited 30/40/50 minutes without knowing when the bus would arrive. When I saw your ECI, I immediately decided to get involved."

How can people get involved and support the EU Live Bus Stop Info Initiative?

On the 26th of April, we began collecting signatures across the EU in support of our European citizens' initiative. We invite you to join us and sign. Together, we can transform the way passengers interact with transport services, creating a more efficient, reliable and sustainable travel experience for all. Share this initiative with your friends and family to spread the word!

• Visit the initiative website here.
• Explore the initiative's official page here.
• Find the signing page here.

About Us

We are a group of students and teachers from different EU countries, united by a shared wish to make transportation information more accessible and transparent for everyone.

Image of most of our members and our main support base originating from an Erasmus project.