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BC Transit launches NextRide for Kitimat passengers to track buses in real-time

Travellers can track and monitor bus routes through app of their choice
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BC Transit rolled out their new live tracking system, NextRide for Kitimat. (File photo)

BC Transit’s NextRide program will allow in Kitimat passengers to see real-time bus locations along routes and predict arrival times at any selected stop. Travellers can avail this live tracking, via web browser or smartphone apps.

NextRide will also detail the route and call out stops to travellers onboard a bus and is intended to increase comfort, convenience and improve overall accessibility for many using the transit system, said BC Transit in a statement.

NextRide, an Automatic Vehicle Location technology, falls under BC Transit’s Smart Bus program, which introduces new technologies on buses. It is meant to offer greater predictability to transit users in the event of delays, detours and other unforeseen events, said the transit company.

Through BC Transit, bus location data is provided to mobility providers like Transit App, so customers in Kitimat can track and monitor bus routes using their application of choice – including Google Maps. However, BC Transit has also said 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.

NextRide will be installed on approximately 315 buses operating on all conventional, fixed routes in British Columbia.

“BC Transit recognizes that customers using the Kitimat transit system are experiencing the current service challenges due to a temporary labour shortage, said BC Transit in a statement.

“Customers will continue to see a short-term reduced service schedule. This new NextRide technology should be able to assist customers tracking buses in real-time.”



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