An example of Strategic Mapping's on-board real-time bus location and stop announcement technology. Multiple transit systems throughout British Columbia, including the Victoria Regional Transit System, will soon introduce real-time web-based and smartphone-based bus tracking for transit riders.  Strategic Mapping

(Updated) BC Transit's real-time bus tracking tech arrives in Nanaimo; Victoria not far behind

Updated April 23, 2018

BC Transit's much anticipated real-time NextRide tracking technology is being rolled out in Nanaimo, according to the Regional District of Nanaimo.

The mid-Island's fleet of certified natural gas buses are being equipped with technology manufactured by Toronto and New York-based Strategic Mapping, hinting that a near-term implemention across Victoria's transit system is not far behind.

Strategic Mapping's transit tools will allow riders to use web-based and smartphone-based applications to view the real-time location of their bus and see its estimated time of arrival at a specific bus stop.

The information will also allow local transit systems to better manage their fleets, fine-tune schedules and better assess the effects of traffic delays.

"From an operational perspective, the Real Time information will allow BC Transit and its partners to better direct buses for schedule reliability, manage on-road incidents more effectively and more easily push alerts out to customers in the case of detours, accidents, or other events that may delay regular routing," reads a statement in a release from BC Transit.

The $11.7 million real-time tracking implementation program is expected to encompass the Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox Valley, Kamloops, Kelowna, Squamish and Whistler transit systems by late 2018 or early 2019.

In addition to its real-time transit data plans, automated passenger counters, closed-circuit TV systems and on-board location announcements will also be installed as part of $160 million in provincial and federal monies secured by BC Transit. C

This article was updated to reflect the cost of the SmartBus technology.

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