Transit System: Prince George
BC Transit has launched NextRide, its Automatic Vehicle Location technology, in the Prince George Transit System. Following several weeks of testing and training, the new technology is now available to BC Transit customers in Prince George.
NextRide allows customers to see real-time bus locations along routes and identify what predicted arrival times are at any selected stop. Onboard, automated stop announcements call out stops to customers riding the bus, which increases comfort and convenience, while also improving the overall accessibility for many using transit.
Through BC Transit, bus location data is provided to mobility providers like Transit App, so customers in Prince George can track and monitor bus routes using their application of choice. Please note that customers using Google Maps to plan their trips will experience a short delay in the real time data showing up as it takes several weeks for Google to start sharing this information.
Two installation teams are working closely together in neighbouring or nearby communities as they move through the province to install the new technology on buses. In all, NextRide will be installed on approximately 315 buses operating on all conventional, fixed routes in British Columbia.
NextRide falls under BC Transit’s Smart Bus program, which introduces new technologies on buses that improve the customer experience, while also helping grow ridership by making transit more accessible, safer and enjoyable. For a more detailed installation schedule, please see the accompanying backgrounder and find out more on the NextRide project page.
The NextRide Automatic Vehicle Location technology offers greater predictability to transit users during unforeseen events, such as delays, detours or other service challenges that impact transit operations.
QUOTES
Rob Fleming, Minister for Transportation and Infrastructure
It’s great to see the successful NextRide program being rolled out in Prince George and other locations in B.C. State of-the-art technology like this will enhance the user experience, encourage more people to leave their cars at home and help rebuild transit ridership.
Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO, BC Transit
We’re excited to be introducing our NextRide technology in Prince George to help make transit more accessible and convenient for our existing and new transit riders. We know this technology helps enhance the transit experience for our customers and provides important information that helps us improve route planning that benefits all transit riders.
Lyn Hall, Mayor of Prince George
Council is pleased that the residents of Prince George will soon have improved access to transit in our city. The implementation of NextRide technology will immediately make travelling by bus more attractive, convenient, and user-friendly for riders. We would like to thank BC Transit for their partnership in putting this important technology into the hands of residents.
Media contacts
BC Transit communications
250-880-1303
Media@bctransit.com
