“NextBus”: A Sign Of Things To Come

News Articles
10/27/2010

Riders no longer have to guess about when their buses will come, thanks to “Nextbus” that is now available for all AC Transit bus lines. The computerized system, which had previously been limited to only a few lines, is now running system-wide with up-to-the-minute bus arrival information.

NextBus is a revolution in bus travel. It improves the bus experience by letting riders know when their buses will arrive and allowing them to plan other activities (i.e. picking up dry cleaning or stopping at store, etc.)  And because the NextBus information is accessible on-line, riders can plan trips from their offices or homes instead of waiting at bus stops.

Using GPS technology, NextBus takes the guesswork out by tracking buses to determine when they will be at a bus stop, so no one now needs to wait longer than necessary. Research shows that such information reduces passengers’ perceived wait times and, subsequently, their anxieties about delays.

NextBus information is accessible by computer or smart phone, so riders simply need to go online at www.nextbus.com. to get on board with this free service that is bound to enhance their commutes.

There are also NextBus kiosks at BART stations in Downtown Berkeley and LCD signs at Fruitvale along with over 100 NextBus LED signs in bus shelters along the 1R route (from San Leandro BART, through Oakland to Berkeley) and the 72R route (from Richmond to downtown Oakland).

In the near future, riders will be able to get quick and automated real-time arrival information by simply calling or texting in a stop ID number assigned to each AC Transit bus stop. A list of these numbers will soon be available online, and eventually, there will be stop ID numbers posted at all bus stops.