BC Transit implementing NextRide real-time bus location technology

BC Transit is implementing real-time bus location technology in select communities across the province.

NextRide uses Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) to provide customers with real-time data on the location of their bus and its predicted arrival time at a stop. With the introduction of this technology comes a responsive website, enabling passengers to plan their trips from an internet connected mobile device or desktop.

“The Government of Canada recognizes how important investing in transit infrastructure is to building strong communities and economic growth,” said the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “I am very pleased to see NextRide technology coming on board in B.C. communities, which will make transit services more responsive, convenient and accessible to all users.”

On board the buses, passengers will now be able to see and hear upcoming stop information as they approach the next stop. These additional features are designed to make BC Transit accessible to all users. Select major bus terminals will have wayside passenger information displays that will also visually display anticipated arrival times.

“These service upgrades will be hugely helpful for people who already ride the bus, and a great incentive for more people to start,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We are committed to making BC Transit service more convenient and accessible, and I expect transit users will be thrilled with these improvements.”

The Nanaimo Regional District will be the first to implement NextRide technology with a full launch of the new services in May. NextRide will roll out in seven communities across the province as follows:

• Nanaimo                     May 2018
• Comox Valley             June 2018
• Squamish                    Summer 2018
• Whistler                       Summer 2018
• Kamloops                    Fall 2018
• Kelowna                      Fall 2018
• Victoria                        Winter 2018/2019

NextRide data will allow BC Transit and its partners to better direct buses for schedule reliability and to more easily push alerts out to customers in the case of detours, accidents or other events that may delay regular routing.

“We’re pleased to work with our partners to bring these enhancements to BC Transit,” said Manuel Achadinha, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer. “The new technology on board our buses will help to improve the efficiency of our services and our customers’ overall transit experience.”

Strategic Mapping, Inc. has been contracted to install and monitor the technology. Funding for this project is coming from the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF), which was announced in June 2016 by the federal and provincial governments. 

For more information, visit bctransit.com.

April 24, 2018