NANAIMO – Taking the bus in the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) just got easier for anyone with access to a computer, tablet or smart phone thanks to the expansion of an online transit trip-planning tool.
The Transit Trip Planner, on either Google or Bing maps, is a public transportation planning tool that combines the latest BC Transit schedule and route information with the power of existing, popular search engines. It is a free service that makes trip planning quick and easy for everyone.
The Transit Trip Planner can link customers and the community to some of the most popular BC Transit destinations in the Nanaimo region.
“Transit customers are demanding user-friendly route information,” said BC Transit President and CEO Manuel Achadinha. “This technology gives existing and new customers a convenient and simple to use tool to plan their transit trips.”
There were more than 2.6 million passenger trips on BC Transit in the RDN in 2013/14. Tools like the Transit Trip Planner will encourage even more ridership growth, by demonstrating that public transportation is a convenient and reliable alternative to single occupancy vehicles.
“In just a few clicks, RDN Transit users can now figure out which route will get them to their destination, how long the trip will take and whether or not they need to transfer,” said RDN Chairperson Joe Stanhope. “We are pleased to be able to simplify bus travel for our ridership.”
The launch of the Transit Trip Planner comes as the RDN and BC Transit are set to celebrate the first anniversary of the introduction of a CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fleet. On February 28, 2014 the RDN was the first BC Transit community to embrace CNG technology.
CNG buses are quieter than their diesel counterparts and have more simplified emission systems.
“Trip planners are in use in cities around the world, saving valuable time, so it’s great to see people in the Nanaimo region getting access to an expanded service that will make travel more expedient and convenient,” said Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell. “Transit users also value the quiet, comfortable ride they can enjoy on CNG buses.”
Following the success in the RDN, Kamloops will be home to the second CNG fleet with 25 new buses arriving in spring 2015.
For more information on routes and schedules, consult https://www.bctransit.com/nanaimo or call 250.390.4531. Parksville and Qualicum customers can call 250.954.1001 for transit information.
Media contacts:
John Barry
BC Transit
250-995-5830
media@bctransit.com
Daniel Pearce
Manager, Transit Operations
Regional District of Nanaimo
250-390-6501
dpearce@rdn.bc.ca
