A NEW app providing real-time bus information to public transport commuters has been launched in the West Midlands.

The software, YourStop, allows passengers to check live updates; departure and arrival times; and future schedules on buses on their smartphones.

A feature called Locate the Nearest Stop can mark all the nearest stops within half a mile of the user’s location on their phone’s map.

Over 80 bus companies and 30,000 stops have been added for travellers to browse through.

YourStop developer, Paul Harrington, said: “YourStop was designed to allow users find bus arrivals and departures at a stop as quickly as possible.”

Mr. Harrington independently made the app at his own time and costs.

Network West Midlands has produced a General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) which allows a select few of bus companies to provide real-time updates to people’s phones on vehicle locations.

Paul Harrington added: “What's particularly nice about Stourbridge is that Diamond bus is prevalent, and they generally have GPS trackers on their buses so YourStop can actually show where the bus is.”

Some parts of America, Canada and Ireland already use YourStop.

The application can be found on most smartphone app stores and their official website.