Wed, 06 May 2015
Oakville Transit is test driving new technology that will increase the benefits of taking the bus.
Over the course of the next six weeks, 13 conventional buses and four care-A-van buses will begin testing a new Intelligent Transportation System that works with GPS technology to track buses in real-time.
Once fully implemented on all buses later this year, riders will be able to quickly and easily pinpoint the exact location of their bus and its arrival time at their stop from their smart phone, tablet or computer. A new mobile app will also allow riders to track their bus in real-time and receive arrival alerts for their favourite bus stops.
“Real-time tracking of your bus will give you real benefits,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “You’ll be able to cut your wait time and have more time for yourself and your family.”
Transit riders can also look forward to accessibility enhancements including special signs inside buses displaying the next stop on their route and automated voice announcements about next stops and public service information. Large digital signs at four key transit hubs — Oakville and Bronte GO stations, Sheridan College and the Uptown Core terminal — will list departure information.
“Real-time bus tracking is the next step in Oakville Transit’s service evolution,” said Barry Cole, director of Oakville Transit. “Once fully implemented, riding the bus will be easier and more accessible for everyone.”
Oakville Transit is encouraging riders to be patient as it fine-tunes the system during this test phase. For more information visit the Oakville Transit website.