Oxford Bus Company has become the first bus operator in the UK to use new technology to make it easier for passengers to be reunited with their lost belongings.
It has partnered with NotLost, an innovative lost property software supplier. The NotLost platform combines various features including image recognition and powerful search functionality with a simple, intuitive interface, transforming the way lost property is managed. It enables Oxford Bus Company to digitally log misplaced items quickly and the system helps match them to the rightful owner.
Earlier this year Oxford Bus Company revealed 2,800 items were lost in 2018 with just under 1,000 items left unclaimed which were donated to local charities or safely disposed of. Among the items left on buses and coaches were a lightsaber, a fireman’s hat, vampire teeth, a Soviet Union hat and a letter detailing sexual fantasies.
Lost property enquiries were the biggest reason for people telephoning the Oxford Bus Company. But now thanks to the partnership with NotLost, the process has been streamlined for both customers and the Oxford Bus Company customer services team. The NotLost online tool enables customers to log a notification of a lost item and the system will suggest matches at the click of a button. They can also request the lost item is posted to them, and the system ensures this is a seamless process too!
Andy Morison, Head of Customer Experience at Oxford Bus Company, said: “Losing a personal item can often be a very stressful event and it is important we provide a fast and effective service to reunite lost belongings with its rightful owner. Advancements in technology have now enabled us to introduce a new market leading software solution that has improved our lost property operation. It is another way of ensuring we provide a first-class service to our passengers, while also improving our internal operational efficiency. The system is cloud-based and does not require any specific equipment so it was really simple and quick to implement.”
Alex Horne, NotLost Chairman, said: “We are focused on helping large organisations make their lost property operation effective, via modern technology. It is fantastic to have partnered with an innovative company that cares about its customers. Our platform is proven to help companies manage their lost property service quickly and efficiently, saving staff time and helping them deliver excellent customer service. We are experiencing an exciting period of growth as organisations move away from antiquated systems and realise what a difference this can make.”
NotLost was launched in 2017 and their platform is used by many leading UK organisations across a wide variety of industries, including The O2 Arena, Alton Towers, Westfield, Eurostar, UCL and The Dorchester hotel.