In March last year, PTV announced the introduction of a GPS bus tracking system for metropolitan buses.
The testing and implementation is now complete and today PTV releases the first phase of the much anticipated real-time data to customers.
This information will be available via Next 5 on the PTV website and in the latest version of its popular PTV mobile app which now includes real-time information for trams, Smart Buses and disruption information.
A huge benefit to customers using metropolitan bus services this will allow customers to better plan their journey on the network as well as enhancing operational management capabilities for PTV and bus operators.
The rollout of real-time bus information is being phased. The first bus routes to have this information publically available will be SmartBus services: Routes 703, 900-903 and 905-908. Further bus routes will be progressively included.
Another benefit of the system will be to provide developers with the opportunity to create digital products for customers using the real-time data.
As part of this PTV is holding an open access data event, VicTripathon to support the development of products that could be used by customers and other stakeholders.