First, I want to thank everyone who has shared their thoughts regarding the Metrorail Train Tracker. It is precisely this kind of input/involvement that is so critical to helping improve mass transit and livability in Miami-Dade County.
Judging by comments and emails, it sounds like many Miamian choice-riders would opt for riding Metrobus at least once in a while if the schedule was much more predictable. I very much agree and feel strongly that GPS tracking for buses is the future in coach transit. Just to get an idea of how a system in Miami-Dade might function, check out this link that shows a live map of GPS-tracked buses in Boulder, CO (it even shows the live speed of each bus!).
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12 Responses to What GPS Tracking for Buses Could Look Like
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Incidentally, all Miami-Dade County Transit buses are equipped with GPS transponders, and communication devices that enable the bus drivers to note to central dispatch the reason they are running behind.
A tour of Miami-Dade’s Central transit dispatch at the Stephen P. Clark center showed me that the operators there are as well trained as they could or should be on their technology. Almost to the point of asking “why bother investing in it.”
Sorry… I meant to say that “…the operators there are not as well trained as they could or should be…”
I think that it would be great if there were a way to check on just specific routes instead of system-wide tracking. Basically, you select a specific route and the site would show you where all the busses are on that specific route.
I think that would be not only easier to read and more user friendly, but it would make it more appealing.
Steven,
I think an ideal system would do both. Many bus stops have transfers to multiple other routes, so it would be beneficial for someone to be able to see all routes in the area as well as an individual one.
I think just a basic filter to show selected routes or routes in an x-mile block would be good
I’d like to see digital displays at the most popular stations. Personally, I think they would induce ridership in key locations like Miami beach, the grove, or downtown.
It would make getting to Florida International University a lot easier.
I think this is a great idea. Changing Miamians views on mass transit will not change overnight. However, if the buses become a bit more reliable I definitely think more people will ride them.
Thought I’ll give you a heads-up since I’m curious as to what’s going on… but I saw today (Sunday, around 2 pm) a passenger train being washed on the FEC line just by the Overtown Metrorail Station (NW 8th St). What’s up with that? Are we REALLY getting passenger rail on the FEC line now?!
jd, it was probably some kind of test run. FEC passenger rail won’t happen for at least another 10 years.
All of the San Francisco MUNI buses and trolleys have NextBus, as do some AC transit and the Emeryville Go-Round. NextBus uses GPS. In San Francisco, NextBus was tested on the 22, the most unreliable route in the system. If the tracking system works on this route, the rest of MUNI will be so equipped. I think VTA and SamTrans should go ahead and get NextBus.
Great site! I love it!! I believe I’m correct to say GPS is more precise than GSM tracking?