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Bus running late?
Transit riders will benefit from GPS tracking tools
Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011
By Darin Watkins, WSU News
PULLMAN, Wash. – If you’ve ever been frustrated wondering when your bus might arrive, then a new technology may be just what you need. Riders on Pullman Transit soon will be able to know precise bus locations, thanks to a new Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL) system that uses a real-time locator along with GPS mapping.
"This will be a great benefit for our students and staff at Washington State University,” said WSU Parking and Transportation Services Director Bridgette Brady. "They will know exactly when the bus will pick them up and when they’ll arrive. The addition of the AVL system will be a great enhancement to an already successful transit system.”
The real-time bus locator and GPS mapping portions of the AVL system are in testing and should be available early in 2012.
Pullman Transit received a stimulus grant for more than $500,000 to install cameras on the buses and provide the AVL system.
Also in the works is the addition of three hybrid buses that could join the fleet as soon as early 2013.
When the AVL system is fully integrated, riders will be able to look online to see where buses are located, see if there are delays, and see the exact times for pick-up and delivery to their destinations. New phone applications are being developed to streamline the information.
"The partnership between WSU and the Pullman community continues to flourish and grow stronger each semester,” said Riley Myklebust, WSU student body president. "Imagine being able to glance down at your phone and know instantly when your bus will arrive. This truly demonstrates how this relationship with Pullman Transit benefits both students and the community.”
The tool may attract more bus riders by providing a more accurate real-time schedule.
"We believe the system will improve ridership communication and accessibility,” said Chris Mitchell, operations supervisor for Pullman Transit. "We are excited about the addition of this technology.”
Pullman Transit continues to be a key mobility option for employees and students, with WSU people making up approximately 88 percent of its ridership. Ridership compared to last year is up by 3,000 rides for November and by 101,000 rides for year to date. It is forecasted to finish at 1.52 million rides for the year.
Sources:
Bridgette Brady, WSU Parking and Transportation Services, b.brady@wsu.edu, 509-335-5105
Chris Mitchell, Pullman Transit, Chris.Mitchell@pullmantransit.com, 509-338-3265
Bridgette Brady, WSU Parking and Transportation Services, b.brady@wsu.edu, 509-335-5105
Chris Mitchell, Pullman Transit, Chris.Mitchell@pullmantransit.com, 509-338-3265
Media contact:
Darin Watkins, WSU News, darin.watkins@wsu.edu, 509-335-4456
Darin Watkins, WSU News, darin.watkins@wsu.edu, 509-335-4456
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