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Canada and British Columbia invest in NextRide technology

VICTORIA — A joint investment of over $16.8 million will go towards expanding the adoption of NextRide technology in British Columbia’s public transit system.

NextRide uses technology like Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) hardware and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software to improve data collection for public transit systems. This investment will enable the procurement of AVL hardware and CAD software for up to 638 buses within 21 regional transit systems across British Columbia. It will also enable improvements to public transit accessibility, with automatic voice annunciators and visual displays in buses for upcoming stops.

“Investing in modern technology and data solutions is a sure-fire way to improve the reliability and efficiency of public transit,” said Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Expanding NextRide technology across the province will encourage ridership by allowing British Columbians to plan their commute in real-time and track when their bus will arrive and depart. Our government remains committed to improving public transit infrastructure and building greener, more accessible, and better-connected communities.”

Expanding NextRide technology will ensure BC Transit’s conventional fleet is using one operational data solution while providing important information about current vehicle locations, schedule adherence, breakdowns, and other emergencies. It will also pass real-time location information to transit users through vehicle head signs, and mobile and third-party web-based applications.

Updating the technology used by regional transit systems across the province will allow riders to plan their trips accordingly. Improving the reliability and efficiency of public transit encourages more people to choose cleaner modes of transportation.

“An upgraded NextRide will offer our customers real-time transit information about bus locations, route schedules and detours,” said Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer of BC Transit. “This modern technology helps riders better plan their travel, saving them time as they go about their day. We’re thankful to work with our funding partners to bring NextRide to our transit systems across the province, and we look ahead with excitement as we start planning the implementation of this upgraded and expanded service.”