Implementation of a Python-Based Automated Bus Scheduling and Passenger Information System for BRT Routes in Lagos

The Bus Rapid Transit system in Lagos, South West Nigeria, serves hundreds of thousands of daily commuters but is hampered by unpredictable service intervals and inadequate real-time passenger information. This project implemented a Python-based automated bus scheduling and passenger information system prototype for BRT route management. The backend was developed using Django and PostgreSQL, with a bus location simulation module emulating GPS tracking for 10 buses across a simplified Oshodi to Marina route. An algorithm adjusted real-time departure schedules based on headway gaps calculated from simulated bus position data. A passenger-facing web application displayed next-bus arrival times at each stop, and an SMS notification service (using Africa's Talking API) was integrated to send arrival reminders to subscribed commuters. The system was tested across 72 hours of continuous simulated operation with randomised bus delay injection. Headway correction algorithm reduced simulated mean headway deviation from 12.4 minutes to 3.8 minutes. SMS notification delivery success rate was 97.6 percent for registered test numbers on MTN and Airtel SIMs. Web interface response time averaged 310 milliseconds. The scheduling algorithm maintained computational performance with up to 50 concurrent buses before response time degraded beyond 500 milliseconds. The study recommends integrating actual GPS hardware via Android fleet tracking applications and piloting the system on the Lagos Bus Service Limited management platform for real-world evaluation.

Keywords: bus scheduling system, BRT Lagos, Python Django, passenger information, public transport technology