New data system could show 'comfort' levels so passengers can avoid crowded, hot and smelly buses and trains

A new invention could let commuters choose which approaching bus or Tube they want by checking its “comfort level” on their smartphone.

The firm behind the Oyster card is working on a new data-sharing system that would give Londoners information to help them decide which train or bus to take.

The system would allow passengers to access data from on-board sensors and view the driver’s dashboard via their mobile phone or smartwatch.

It could also allow them to check the temperature, noise and odour levels or how crowded their journey is likely to be, before jumping on.

Cubic Corporation’s design for an urban “transit vehicle sensor system” is being planned to work in trains, buses, taxis and on-demand minicab services. According to the patent, sensors would beam information to a “central system” so data usually only available to drivers can be read by passengers.

Cubic says the system would help customers who do not like using public transport that is too hot or cold, so they can view the temperature inside and perhaps “choose a different form of transportation”.

The new Routemaster has been plagued by complaints that poor air conditioning made the £350,000 double-deckers feel like “saunas on wheels” on hot days.

According to Cubic, its system “can be designed so anybody can access data, for example transit patrons can access the data to follow the state and environmental characteristics of vehicles”.

Sensors in the vehicles could include an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, thermometer, pressure gauge and ultraviolet light monitor, potentially connected by Bluetooth or wifi router.

The system would also allow transport bosses to monitor “the performance of the driver remotely” to help avoid potholes. The invention was welcomed by London bus passengers who said it would offer more choice in addition to apps such as Citymapper.

Waiting for a bus, mother-of-one Mariette Gonzalez, 33, said: “I’d like to know how many buggies are on board so I don’t have to wait 10 minutes only to find there is no room.”