The system reduced waiting times by 70%

It is hoped that the initiative by Metroline, which has 1,089 buses in its London fleet, will make services run to the timetable and in turn increase the use of public transport.

Using mobile phone operator Orange's GPRS network, the control room can locate the position of a bus along any route and work out the time and distance between buses.

If they are off the timetabled schedule, the control centre sends the driver a text message which flashes up on the dashboard, telling them to maintain the correct intervals so they arrive on time at stops.

Improving the reliability of bus services, and getting them to turn up on time, will help overcome one of the key frustrations for those using public transport across Greater London Valerie Shawcross, London Assembly Member

The technology may in the future also be used to send passengers text messages giving them up-to-date bus arrival information on their mobile phones.

Sean O'Shea, commercial director of Metroline, said that in a trial involving 28 buses "excess waiting times" for passengers was reduced by 70%.

"We have a commitment to provide the best possible service to our customers and that means continually looking to improve our transport service and this system will enable us to do exactly that," he said.

Reducing congestion

The trial was also monitored by Transport for London.

"Reducing congestion by getting more people onto public transport is a key objective for Transport for London," said Valerie Shawcross, London Assembly Member.

"Improving the reliability of bus services, and getting them to turn up on time, will help overcome one of the key frustrations for those using public transport across Greater London."

The system will now be deployed across the whole Metroline fleet over the next two years.