First Glasgow is using artificial intelligence (AI) in a bid to make buses quicker and more reliable.

The operator will use the technology to create timetables that reflect real-life situations such as congestion and poor road conditions. 

It is hoped that these timetables will offer customers throughout Glasgow better service while also ensuring that the same number of buses are on the road. 

After testing the technology on a small range of services in August and September, punctuality and reliability of buses improved by 16% in the period since.

The update will go live on Sunday, December 10 and the following services will benefit: 7, 7A, 31, 38, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38E, 57, 57A, 75, 206, 208, and 226.

Graeme Macfarlan, commercial director for First Bus Scotland, said: “We want to provide our customers with a service that is reliable, consistent and, most importantly, on time.

"With the increase in congestion in recent years throughout Glasgow, we understood the importance of building timetables that fit with the current live road conditions, so our customers know when their bus will arrive.

“The adjustments we are making to the timetables will achieve that while allowing us to maximise the effectiveness of the number of buses we have running in the city to serve as many people as possible.

“It also further highlights the need for local authority investment in bus priority measures to overcome issues which are outside the control of bus operators, such as congestion.

"By doing so, it will help provide a better, more efficient public transport service in the city.”