Yellow Buses has seen an increase in passengers after posting details of Pokemon Go ‘Pokestops’ on its website.
It means that those hooked on the new gaming sensation can find the stops with the company’s website – then hop on a bus to get there.
The operator works across Bournemouth, Poole and east Dorset and with wi-fi on its fleet it has almost become part of the game itself.
Pokemon uses a smartphone’s GPS location and real-world maps to bring computer games out of the house and into the open.
Players can visit Pokestops – typically landmarks or buildings – and collect free items in the game.
The main aim is to catch Pokemon, which pop up along the way. The game provides an augmented reality experience, using the smartphone’s camera to provide a live view of the world, with Pokemon superimposed.
Jenni Wilkinson, Yellows’ Head of Marketing and Customer Excellence, said: “As Pokemon has become such a sensation we thought we’d get involved.
“We’ve posted details of the Pokestops on our journey planner and interactive maps so gamers can find out where they are.
“They can also use our buses to get there and with wi-fi on our fleet and with our website and app available on all mobile devices it is really easy.
“Passenger numbers have gone up and people like using the buses because it’s safer than trying to find Pokestops while driving a car.
“We’ve got the wi-fi, we’ve got the wheels and we’ve got the ‘where to find them’ – it’s a great way to get out exploring.
“We’re the only bus company in the area doing this and it has become extremely popular.”
