The Evolution Of Next Bus: Real-Time Tracking

NextBus is a public transit vehicle tracking system that uses GPS to predict the arrival time of the next vehicle at a given transit stop. It was developed by Nextbus Information Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of Cubic Transportation Systems, and is designed to reduce wait times and reliance on schedules. The system is available as a mobile application, providing real-time arrival information for buses, trams, light rail operations, and other public transport vehicles. Users can find the nearest stop, get walking directions, save favourite routes, and receive alerts. The NextBus website and electronic signs at stops also display wait times.

NextBus uses GPS to track vehicles and predict arrival times

NextBus is a public transit vehicle tracking system that uses GPS to track vehicles and predict arrival times. Each vehicle in the NextBus system is fitted with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, which transmits speed and location data to a central location. This data is then used to calculate the projected arrival times for all stops in the system.

The system was developed by NextBus Information Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of Cubic Transportation Systems. It was founded in 1997 in Emeryville, California, and as of 2013, the company's systems were operating in over 130 locations.

NextBus provides real-time vehicle arrival information for passengers, allowing them to track buses, trams, light rail operations, and other public transport vehicles. This information is available through the NextBus website, electronic signs at bus and tram stops, and on cell phones and other wireless devices via the Internet.

The system uses satellite technology and advanced computer modelling to track vehicles along their routes and predict arrival times. It takes into account various factors, such as historical travel times, configuration information, and real-time traffic conditions, to make accurate predictions.

The implementation of such a system can assist transit operators in improving the reliability of bus services, attracting more travellers, and helping to relieve congestion. It also helps passengers plan their trips more efficiently and minimise waiting times.

Real-time arrival information is available on the NextBus website

NextBus is a public transit vehicle tracking system that uses global positioning satellite information to predict when the next vehicle will arrive at a given transit stop. This helps to reduce wait times and reliance on schedules. Real-time arrival information is available on the NextBus website, via text message, on electronic signs at bus and tram stops, and on mobile phones and other wireless devices.

Each vehicle is fitted with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, which transmits speed and location data to a central location. A computer running proprietary software then calculates the projected arrival times for all stops in the system using this data, along with configuration information and historical travel times. These times are then converted to a 'wait time' and made available to users.

The NextBus website allows users to view the next bus departure times for any bus stop in the city. Users can select a specific stop by entering a 4-digit stop ID, an address, or a street name. The website also provides a map feature that shows the locations of nearby bus stops and the routes serviced by those stops.

In addition to the website, NextBus also offers a mobile application that provides real-time arrival information. The app offers various features, including the ability to find real-time ETAs for nearby stops, walking directions to the nearest stop, and the option to save favourite agencies, routes, and stops. The app also supports multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish.

Real-time arrival information is also available via text message alerts. Users can subscribe to receive text alerts by sending a specific keyword to a designated phone number. These text alerts will notify users of any service bulletins or updates, helping them stay informed about their bus services.

Arrival times are also displayed on electronic signs at stops

NextBus is a public transit vehicle tracking system that uses global positioning satellite information to predict when the next vehicle will arrive at a given transit stop. This system aims to reduce wait times and reliance on schedules. Each vehicle is fitted with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, which transmits speed and location data to a central location. This data is then used to calculate the projected arrival times for all stops in the system. These arrival times are then converted to a 'wait time' and made available via the NextBus website, mobile application, and electronic signs at bus and tram stops.

The electronic signs at bus and tram stops provide a visual display of the arrival times for the upcoming vehicles. These signs are typically placed at the stop, allowing passengers to view the information easily while waiting for their bus or tram. The signs may display the arrival times for multiple routes serving the stop, providing a comprehensive overview of the upcoming departures. This real-time information helps passengers plan their journeys more effectively and make more efficient use of their time.

The electronic signs are connected to the central computer system that receives and processes the GPS data from the vehicles. By utilising this data, the signs can display up-to-date arrival times, taking into account the current location and speed of the approaching vehicles. This dynamic display ensures that passengers have access to accurate and reliable information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their travel plans.

In addition to the electronic signs, NextBus also offers a mobile application that provides real-time arrival information. The app allows users to find the nearest stop, get walking directions, save favourite routes and stops, and receive alerts for specific stops and agencies. This mobile accessibility enhances the convenience and accessibility of the NextBus system, allowing users to access arrival times on the go and plan their journeys accordingly.

The combination of electronic signs at stops and the mobile application provides a comprehensive solution for passengers, ensuring they have access to arrival time information through multiple channels. This real-time data helps reduce uncertainty and waiting times, improving the overall public transit experience for commuters.

NextBus has a mobile application with various functionalities

NextBus is a public transit vehicle tracking system that uses global positioning satellite information to predict when the next vehicle will arrive at a given transit stop. This system is designed to reduce wait times and reliance on schedules. NextBus provides real-time passenger information for all routes for several major transportation agencies, including the San Francisco Municipal Railway, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and the Toronto Transit Commission.

The NextBus app provides arrival information for the next three tracked vehicles, and users can set up alerts for specific stops and agencies. The app supports multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish. It is important to note that real-time ETA information is dependent on the transit agency and vehicle being equipped with working GPS devices.

The NextBus mobile application offers a convenient way for users to access real-time transit information on their smartphones, making it easier to navigate and plan their journeys. The app's features, such as favorite stops and alerts, allow users to customize their experience and stay updated on the arrival times of their frequently used transit services.

NextBus provides a texting service for next bus departure times

NextBus is a public transit vehicle tracking system that uses global positioning satellite information to predict when the next vehicle will arrive at a given transit stop. The system aims to reduce wait times and reliance on schedules. NextBus provides real-time arrival information for buses, trams, light rail operations, and other public transport vehicles.

Each vehicle in the NextBus system is equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. This GPS receiver transmits data on the vehicle's speed and location to a central computer system. This system then uses proprietary software to calculate projected arrival times for all stops on the vehicle's route. These arrival times are converted into wait times and made available to users through various channels, such as the NextBus website, electronic signs at bus and tram stops, and mobile devices.

One of the convenient features offered by NextBus is its texting service. This service allows users to receive next bus departure times directly on their mobile devices via text messages. Users can obtain real-time departure information for any bus stop in the city by following a few simple steps.

Here's how the NextBus texting service works:

• Mobile Number: Users start by providing their 10-digit mobile phone number, including the area code. This enables the system to send text messages to their device.
• Texting Keywords: Users can text specific keywords to a designated number, such as "metrobus," "mcard," "reload," or "routes," to receive relevant information. Standard message rates may apply.
• Bus Stop Information: To get next bus departure times, users text the keyword "routes" to the provided number. They will then be prompted to provide the 4-digit bus stop ID, which can be found on the bus stop sign or the transit agency's website.
• Route Information: After sending the bus stop ID, users will receive a list of route numbers servicing that particular stop. They can then text back the route number for which they want to receive departure times.
• Departure Times: The system will respond with the next two departure times for the selected route, including the direction of travel. This information is sent directly to the user's mobile device, providing a convenient and accessible way to plan their journey.

The NextBus texting service offers a simple and efficient way for passengers to access next bus departure times without the need for a dedicated mobile application. It empowers users to make informed travel decisions and plan their trips more effectively. This service is particularly useful for individuals who may not have access to smartphones or data connections but still require real-time public transit information.

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