Skip to main content

Ontario transit operator implements real-time bus tracking

Oakville Transit in Ontario, Canada has implemented real-time bus tracking technology, a web-based tool that uses GPS to predict bus arrival times. Customers can easily access real-time bus tracking from their computer or smartphone by using the Bus Finder tool online or by downloading the Oakville Transit app available in the iTunes App Store for Apple devices and in Google Play for Android devices. A Track by Text feature allows customers to text their bus stop number to find out when the next bus
February 25, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Oakville Transit in Ontario, Canada has implemented real-time bus tracking technology, a web-based tool that uses GPS to predict bus arrival times.

Customers can easily access real-time bus tracking from their computer or smartphone by using the Bus Finder tool online or by downloading the Oakville Transit app available in the iTunes App Store for Apple devices and in Google Play for Android devices.

A Track by Text feature allows customers to text their bus stop number to find out when the next bus will arrive. They can also sign up to receive personalised bus arrival information alerts via email or text.

Real-time bus tracking is a feature of Oakville Transit’s new intelligent transportation system (ITS) which also includes digital signs inside buses displaying next stop information, automated voice announcements and large digital signs displaying real-time departure information at four key transit hubs.

Related Content

  • March 11, 2015
    Data exploits parking potential
    David Crawford parallel parks with innovations in two continents. Surveys of US cities indicate that drivers searching for parking can account for up to 37% of all urban traffic congestion. A 2011 study by IBM of 20 cities around the world found that nearly six out of ten drivers had abandoned their search for a parking space at least once; while motorists generally spent on average 20 minutes looking for a sought-after spot.
  • January 30, 2012
    Bus service data, better journey planning, better information
    Chris Gibbard and Paul Drummond of Transport Direct on developments in Great Britain in the electronic transfer of bus service data. Great Britain has a dynamic bus market which permits a bus operator to initiate or alter commercial routes by giving a minimum of eight weeks' notice to a registrar (the Traffic Commissioner). A Local Transport Authority (LTA) neither specifies nor determines such services. In addition to commercial bus routes, an LTA will tender and contract for the operation of those additio
  • June 3, 2013
    TfL launches Countdown digital information signs
    Following a successful trial in London, Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new Countdown digital sign service, providing a new way to deliver tailored live bus arrival information cheaply and effectively to a range of public locations, such as hospital waiting rooms, schools or shopping centre foyers. The trial demonstrated the signs worked well, delivering clear, easily accessible information about local bus services, utilising existing IT and display equipment in public locations.
  • July 17, 2012
    Real time active traffic management improves travel times
    Traffic management centres (TMC) have traditionally served to provide surveillance and responses to traffic incidents and recurring and non-recurring changes in road networks. Typically, a TMC collected field data from the roadway and transit infrastructure and provided the integration necessary for operators to see what was happening and then coordinate a response. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) guided operators on how to respond to a given situation. It eventually became impractical for TMC operat