Omnitrans’ customers accessed NexTrip real time bus arrival information over 1 million times in the first year. Since the agency introduced the new technology in mid-January 2013, NexTrip has revolutionized the way people connect to public transit in the San Bernardino Valley.
With the NexTrip system, Omnitrans passengers can request next bus arrival information through phone, text, Web or apps. Online, customers can view buses and stops on a route map with real-time tracking. They even can sign up for automatic alerts that will notify them when the bus is five minutes away.
“Rider response to NexTrip has been tremendous,” says Omnitrans Director of Marketing Wendy Williams. “It saves customers valuable time. Because they know when the bus will arrive, they don’t have to arrive extra early at their stop.”
Taking the technology to a new level, Omnitrans is installing signs at all 2,500 bus stops that feature a QR code. Passengers with smart devices can instantaneously access bus arrival times simply by scanning the code. Signs also provide instructions to access NexTrip by phone, text or online with a smart device.
The NexTrip system uses Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking satellites and advanced computer modeling developed by Nextbus, Inc. of Emeryville, California to provide accurate arrival information for all bus stops in the Omnitrans fixed route bus system. Taking into account the actual location of the buses, their intended stops, and the typical traffic patterns, NexTrip estimates arrivals with a high degree of accuracy. This information is then sent to the rider within seconds.
