Protected: BODS Compliance

For coach operators running closed-door school services on a commercial basis, Bus Open Data Service (BODS) compliance might seem like an unnecessary formality—but in reality, it’s a key part of demonstrating professionalism, transparency, and readiness to work with public sector partners.

Even though school services may not appear in the public domain in the same way as local bus routes, they often still fall under the definition of a “local service” in the eyes of the Traffic Commissioner. That means operators are legally required to register these routes with the DVSA and provide timetable data—and potentially fares and vehicle tracking—through BODS.

Beyond legal compliance, there are real commercial benefits. Schools and parents increasingly expect visibility and reliability. By integrating with BODS, you’re able to offer real-time vehicle tracking, which can be accessed via third-party apps or through custom integrations. This enhances the parent experience, reduces customer service queries, and adds a premium touch to your offering.

BODS compliance also strengthens your position in competitive tenders. Whether you’re trying to secure new school contracts or work with education groups that value digital transparency, being fully BODS-compliant shows that you’re operating to the highest standards in the industry.

In short, for commercial school service operators, BODS compliance is more than a tick-box—it’s a sign of quality, commitment, and future readiness.

The good news is that achieving BODS compliance doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. The Vectare platform is specifically designed to support operators running closed school services, making it easy to generate and publish the required data feeds—timetable, vehicle location, and fares—with minimal admin. Our tools integrate seamlessly with your existing operations, ensuring you stay compliant
without the hassle. Whether you’re new to BODS or looking to streamline your current process, we can help.