Transit software changes more than just an app

The long-awaited transit app that lets riders know on their smartphones exactly when their bus is coming is expected to be available soon in Peterborough now that councillors have approved a plan to buy all the requisite technology and have it installed on buses.

“This is finally here – my goodness,” said Coun. Don Vassiliadis, the city’s transportation chairman. “But I think we should name this ‘More than Just an App.’”

That’s because council plans to buy $1.9 million in hardware and software to enhance the bus service, including:

• Computerized scheduling systems for buses, rather than schedules printed on paper.

• Updated GPS software on buses, as well as an Automated Vehicle Location system to allow for real-time tracking of buses on the road — meaning riders will be able to download an app for their phones to see when the bus is coming.

• Software for transit signal priority at intersections, meaning a bus will be able to send an automatic signal to a traffic signal as it approaches to hold the green light, if it is running late.

• Automatic passenger counters that notify dispatchers when a bus is filling up and a second bus must be sent (which happens on the Trent University and Fleming College express routes, according to a report from city staff ).

• Interior and exterior cameras for buses, which capture images on the bus when there’s an altercation or collect footage in case of collision.

Councillors gave preliminary approval to the purchase on Monday, meaning they must vote a final time at a city council meeting – likely at the meeting on June 11 – to give final approval.

Mayor Daryl Bennett did not vote or participate in the discussion on Monday – he declared a pecuniary interest since he owns a taxi company.

If councillors give the plan final approval in June, installation of the new technology on buses could begin on June 18 and be fully operational by March 31.

City staff recommended Strategic Mapping Inc. of Toronto for installation and maintenance of the technology, following a competitive bid process.

The new technology will also mean other conveniences for

transit riders too.

For instance, there will be a new website that allows you to plan your trip — including walk route and the amount of time you can expect to spend on the bus and on foot.

“This will change the face of our transit service – I’m excited about it,” Vassiliadis said. “It isn’t cheap, but technology won’t be any cheaper in the future.”

Coun. Diane Therrien also said it’s expensive but will bring Peterborough’s transit service “up to par” with the service in big cities.

“Hopefully we can get more people on the bus,” she said.

Coun. Keith Riel asked whether the spending brings the city any closer to offering a 20-minute bus service.

Wayne Jackson, the city’s commissioner of infrastructure and planning, said it’s possible to ensure nobody ever waits more than 20 minutes for a bus – as long as council’s willing to invest more money in transit.

“We can go to 20-minute buses if you provide the funds,” he said.