BC Transit has recently introduced its automatic vehicle location technology, NextRide, on the Clearwater Regional Transit System, Ashcroft-Cache Creek-Clinton Regional Transit System, and Merrit Transit System. This technology allows transit riders to track the real-time location of their bus and predicted arrival times at stops using their mobile devices or desktops. Automated announcements on board also call out stop names, making the transit experience more comfortable and accessible.
NextRide provides bus location information to mobility providers like Transit App, Google Maps, the BC Transit website, trip planning apps, and the rider’s guide, allowing customers to easily monitor bus routes. BC Transit offers free subscriptions to Transit Royale for real-time bus tracking with a wider geographical range and interactive features to enhance the transit journey.
The NextRide project is part of BC Transit’s Smart Bus program, which incorporates new technologies to improve the customer experience and increase ridership. The project is funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, with contributions from the government of Canada, the province of British Columbia, and local government partners. The total cost for the province-wide project is C$16.8 million (US$12 million).
Customers using Google Maps for trip planning may experience delays in real-time data information, as it takes time for Google to incorporate this new information. BC Transit aims to enhance the customer experience by leveraging technological advancements to provide better information for customers and bus operators while offering greater flexibility, scalability, and value to both BC Transit and its local government partners.
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