Kamloops – Transit riders in the City of Kamloops 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 the Lansdowne Transit Exchange to join MLA Bob D’Eith 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 Kamloops 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,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
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.
“This real-time tracking technology will really benefit people in Kamloops who already ride the bus, and will be another reason for more people to start taking the bus,” said Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Bob D’Eith on behalf of Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We are committed to making BC Transit service more convenient and accessible, and I expect transit users in Kamloops will be thrilled with this service upgrade.”
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.
“We are thrilled to be in partnership with BC Transit to bring enhanced service to our community. NextRide is an exciting addition to our transit service, and an important step to remain current and respond to rider needs.” says Mayor Ken Christian.
NextRide technology was first launched in the Regional District of Nanaimo in May, followed by the Comox Valley Regional District in June, then Whistler and Squamish in July. In total, NextRide will be implemented in seven communities this year, with Kelowna launching in the fall and Victoria this winter.
“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. “Thank you to our government partners, whose strong support makes significant endeavours like NextRide possible in communities like Kamloops.”
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.
Media contact:
Shellene McConnell
BC Transit
Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor
Media@bctransit.com
250-995-5763
