Transit users in Prince George will be able to access real-time data about where their next bus is on their smartphone later this year.
On Thursday, BC Transit it will be installing its NextRide technology in 20 transit systems across the province, including Prince George. Two installation teams will be working their way through the province, and NextRide is expected to be operational in Prince George this summer.
“Expanding the NextRide program will improve the customer experience, increase safety for riders and drivers, improve accessibility for users and provide important data for better route planning that will benefit customers across the province,” BC Transit vice-president Tim Croyle said in a press release.
Riders who download the Transit App will be able to see where their bus is along its route, a predicted time of arrival at any given stop and how full the bus is at any given time. Some of that data will also be available using a web browser, without downloading the app.
The system is already used by seven transit systems on Vancouver Island, Squamish/Whistler and in the interior.
NextRide will be installed on a total of 315 buses throughout the province operating on conventional, fixed routes.
In addition to the real-time data available on the app, the system will include automated stop announcements onboard city buses.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $6 million, with the federal government funding 50 per cent, the province covering 40 per cent and local governments like the City of Prince George contributing the remaining 10 per cent.
The provincial government has signed a contract with Consat Canada to do the installation.
“It’s great to see the successful NextRide program being rolled out across the province,” B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Flemming said in a press release. “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 as we emerge from COVID-19.”
