By James Peters / Chad Harris

Real time transit information set to roll out in Kamloops

Jul 6, 2017 | 11:43 AM

Kamloops is one of seven communities that will get new, real time technology on its BC Transit buses.

The technology will allow customers to track the location of individual buses by using a free smartphone app.

Transit spokesman Jonathon Dyck says that means customers will be able to have a better idea of when their bus will arrive.

“The big benifits for the customers are going to be that they can see it on a map. On their mobile device or desktop computers — where their bus is at, at that time, and what time that they expect that bus to arrive at their stop. They can plan more for their day, and plan more for their journey.”

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“The buses will be equipped with automatic voice announcements and passenger information displays. Part of that is making it more accessible and easier for all passengers that use the transit system.”

“The real-time information will allow BC Transit’s operating partners to better direct buses for schedule reliability. (It will) give people information when there might be a on road incident occurring. If we can see that there is something happening, and buses aren’t meeting their timelines, we can give people that information as it is happening.”

Dyck says the contractor responsible for the technology, Strategic Mapping, will likely have the system ready to go some time in 2018.

by James Peters / Chad Harris