Regina Transit to offer real-time schedule information for all routes
Regina Transit is expanding TransitLive to its full fleet of 106 buses by January 2012. TransitLive is a web-based program that provides real-time schedule information by tracking buses through GPS as they travel their routes throughout the city. This comes after an extensive and successful pilot-project that began with three buses in 2009 building to 24 buses primarily on routes that served the University and SIAST in 2010.
Regina Transit has been working with CRL Engineering, a company based out of the University of Regina, to refine the product since 2009. Over the next three months, they will be working on the installation of GPS navigation devices in each vehicle that will transmit the bus location once every two seconds. Once full installation is complete, there will be a trial for one year which will include customer feedback on the service.
Customers can minimize their wait times by viewing the map on the website in real-time on their personal computers or smart phones. Customers can also sign up free-of-charge for text alerts for their specific bus. It will also streamline Transit operations by monitoring idling times, speeds, and provide operators with a display indicated if they are early, on time or behind schedule.
"Regina Transit is excited to make this next step in offering our customers a more efficient way to travel," said Kim Onrait, Director of Regina Transit. "The feedback from our pilot project has been very positive with the biggest question being ‘when can we get this technology on all of the buses.' We are hoping to attract new customers who are looking for cost effective alternatives to the car."
It's easy to find out when the next bus is arriving at your stop. You can access the information by visiting www.transitlive.com to sign up for text alerts or to view schedule information by using the bus stop number unique to each bus stop sign. For more information on the program or the Transit Investment Plan call 777-7000.