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Transit Technologies

Technology is changing the face of public transportation.

Transit Technologies



Dispatchers can now track the location of buses equipped with new technology in real time.



Next-bus arrival signs will help customers complete their trips.



Stops will be announced automatically via on-board speakers and electronic signs.

From ORCA and Transit Signal Priority (which provides a longer green light for Swift buses), technology has already improved Community Transit service. Updates recently made to our radio network allow for improved communications between bus drivers and our operations base, further demonstrating how technology helps transit.

The agency is now testing an array of new transit technologies that will provide improved operations and a better customer experience. The technologies will eventually provide real-time bus information to customers at home, at work or on the go.

Transit Technologies will allow the agency to:

  • Automatically announce stops via on-board speakers and electronic signs
  • Know the exact location of each bus via global positioning systems (GPS), which will assist in improving on-time performance
  • Provide computer-aided dispatch to help keep buses on schedule
  • Give drivers better communication tools while on the road
  • Provide customers with real-time bus information at any given bus stop within a 30-to-60 minute window
  • Give planners more accurate data about boardings, deboardings and time between stops to enable more efficient and productive routing and scheduling
  • Automatically count passengers so we know how many people actually board at each location

Transit Technologies have already been implemented on our DART paratransit fleet, allowing dispatchers to increase productivity, improve on-time performance and reduce operating costs.

Transit Technologies were launched on commuter buses to Seattle in July 2012. A phased rollout of all Community Transit buses will take place through spring 2013.

When all buses are operational, the system can provide real-time bus information. Customers will be able to check real-time information for any bus by phone, computer or mobile devices up to an hour before a stop is scheduled.

Next-bus arrival signs will be installed at Swift stations and at major transit centers to help customers complete their trips.