BC Transit is bringing real-time technology and more to Kelowna buses

Your bus may still be late, but at least you’ll know how late it is.

BC Transit is moving forward with the implementation of real-time technology in Kelowna, Kamloops, Comox Valley, Squamish, Whistler, Victoria and Nanaimo.

Strategic Mapping Inc. has been selected as the partner to install and maintain the automatic vehicle location-enabled technology.

They have already provided location tracking for transit and other industries across North American for more than a decade.

The enhancements will allow passengers to view the location of their bus along its route and its predicted arrival time, either on their smartphone or a web browser.

Buses will also now be equipped with automatic voice announcements and passenger information displays to inform customers of upcoming stops.

The next step in the process is to design the system and develop an implementation plan, with the expectation of the real-time technology being installed by the end of 2018.

Along with real-time technology, BC Transit will also be adding closed-circuit TV to increase the safety of passengers and drivers.

Automatic passenger counters will also be added to help BC Transit optimize service delivery based on precise and timely ridership data.

The installation of all these technologies is part of the nearly $160 million in federal and provincial funding for BC Transit projects that was announced in June 2016.