In March 2014, BC Transit partnered with Init, Innovations in Transportation, for an advanced automatic vehicle location and real-time passenger information system for the Kelowna RapidBus line. The project was designed to service a nearly 19 mile (30 kilometer) stretch on Highway 97 in Kelowna, B.C., running from West Kelowna in the South to the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) in the North.
The strategy comprised the implementation of Init’s onboard computers, interactive driver terminals, emergency alarms, digital signage and audio announcements on the buses. At the stops, external passenger information displays were installed at the 12 newly constructed bus shelters along the Highway 97 route. The project had an aggressive timeline with a firm launch date scheduled for September 2014.
Init’s ability to execute the technology for BC Transit allowed the RapidBus service to launch on schedule, just six months after the contract was signed.
“The expansion of RapidBus service will make transit more efficient and effective and help our customers travel quickly through the Kelowna Regional System,“ said Erinn Pinkerton, executive director of BC Transit’s Business Development. “We have been pleased to work closely with our partners to grow this popular service.“
The buses run weekdays every 15 minutes and on weekends, every 30 minutes. The Kelowna RapidBus project is the backbone of a sustainable, efficient transportation network for the region.
