Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Finds that more people take public transit when they can access bus and train arrival times on their cellphones and computers. Ridership gains may not be larger because many riders may not be aware of the additional options for accessing arrival times.

Recently installed GPS technology allows RT to track buses on routes, display their locations using online maps and provide estimated arrival times at any bus stop. Customers can also use text messaging to receive estimated arrival times or sign up to be sent automatic email or text alerts.

Chicago Public School officials have installed monitors equipped with Chicago Transit Authority bus tracker technology in 35 schools to help students know exactly when buses will arrive.

While some university and college transit operators have been able to continue offering fare-free transit service to students, other systems, faced with operation cost increases, have had to raise transit pass prices.

Transportation Commissioner Gabe Klein is calling for installing video screens in Chicago’s 2,200 lighted bus shelters. The technology would feature Bus Tracker information, car- and bike-sharing inventory and how long it would take to walk to popular destinations.

The 2010 Chicago Innovation Awards singled out the Chicago Transit Authority’s Web-based program for bringing valuable and timely bus service information to customers. Established in 2002, the Chicago Innovation Awards focus attention on the most significant new products and services introduced in the region.

Will provide pre-packaged application program interfaces, or APIs, initially for bus and rail schedules, customer alerts and Bus Tracker. Improved data access will enable developers to create new desktop and mobile applications.

The number of visitors to the CTA Bus Tracker Website has steadily increased; since Nov. 1, the site has logged an average of approximately 20,000 visits per weekday.