Victoria will soon benefit from real-time bus location technology.

NextRide uses Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) to provide customers with real-time data on the location of their bus as well as its predicted arrival time.

This will allow passengers to plan their trips using their mobile device.

Photo Credit: B.C. Transit

“The Government of Canada recognizes how important investing in transit infrastructure is to building strong communities and economic growth,” said the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

“I am very pleased to see NextRide technology coming on board in B.C. communities, which will make transit services more responsive, convenient and accessible to all users.”

On the buses, passengers will be able to see and hear upcoming stop information as they approach each stop.

“These service upgrades will be hugely helpful for people who already ride the bus, and a great incentive for more people to start,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

“We are committed to making BC Transit service more convenient and accessible, and I expect transit users will be thrilled with these improvements.”

Photo Credit: B.C. Transit

The Regional District of Nanaimo will be the first to implement NextRide, with a total of seven communities expected to benefit from the program:

• Nanaimo                     May 2018
• Comox Valley             June 2018
• Squamish                    Summer 2018
• Whistler                       Summer 2018
• Kamloops                    Fall 2018
• Kelowna                      Fall 2018
• Victoria                        Winter 2018/2019

For more information, visit the B.C. Transit website.