NextRide real-time bus location technology rolls out in the Squamish Transit System

Transit riders in the District of Squamish are now able to plan their trips more efficiently and see where their bus is along its route, all from their smart phone or desktop. This afternoon, members of the public and local dignitaries gathered at U Siyam Pavilion in Downtown Squamish to join MLA Rachna Singh and BC Transit staff in celebrating the launch of NextRide, BC Transit’s real-time bus location technology.

“The arrival of NextRide technology onboard buses in Squamish is great news,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “This innovative technology will help make transit services in the region more convenient and accessible for all users. Our government is proud to support public transit projects that contribute to the development of more sustainable inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Guests were shown NextRide’s Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology, which provides customers with real-time data on the location of their bus and its predicted arrival time at a stop. NextRide operates off of a responsive website, enabling passengers to plan their trips from an internet connected mobile device or desktop.

“With today’s launch of NextRide in Squamish, we are making transit a more modern, convenient and accessible option for people,” said Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers, on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claire Trevena. “Whether going to school or work, visiting friends or family, or heading out for a day trip, people of all ages and abilities rely on transit to get around, and will benefit from the introduction of NextRide.”

NextRide also includes on-board enhancements, allowing customers to see and hear upcoming stop information upon approach, making BC Transit accessible to all users. 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.

"This new technology is a game-changer for transit riders in our community as it eliminates the guesswork from the trip," says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. "We're looking forward to having these new planning tools at our fingertips and are hopeful that the added technology and convenience will stimulate ridership, enhance rider experience and ultimately help to convert drivers into riders."

NextRide technology was first launched in the Regional District of Nanaimo in May, followed by the Comox Valley Regional District in June, and Whistler July 24. Three additional communities across the province will be joining Squamish in installing NextRide technology this year:

Kamloops  - August 2018
Kelowna - Fall 2018
Victoria - Winter 2018/2019

“Our customers are relying on technology in their daily lives and now we’re bringing that technology right on to our buses,” said Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit’s Interim President and  CEO. “I am grateful to our government partners, whose strong support makes significant endeavours like NextRide possible in communities like Squamish.”

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/nextride.

July 26, 2018