As Calgary Transit rolls out passenger information screens, some major bus route changes take effect next week

Calgary Transit will install new bus information screens for transit riders on its entire fixed-route fleet, with some vehicles already equipped ahead of new route schedule changes taking effect on Aug. 31.

The new screens will help passengers monitor their trips by viewing real-time route details, route numbers, requested stops, upcoming stops, estimated arrival times and service announcements.

Customers want accurate, consistent and timely information to help make decisions on their trip, service vehicles manager Dennis Uvbiama said in a Tuesday media release.

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“They also want to know about service changes or disruptions that may affect their journey,” Uvbiama said. “These new screens deliver useful information to customers where and when they need it.”

New 21- or 29-inch screens were installed on 100 vehicles as part of a pilot project.

The new screens are to be rolled out broadly starting in October across Calgary Transit’s 1,000-plus fixed route bus and shuttle fleets.

This was made possible by modernizing the system’s computer-aided dispatch/automatic vehicle location/advanced passenger information system used to share real-time vehicle tracking and manage bus fleet operations.

It also allows for improved bus tracking accuracy for Calgary Transit customer tools. Meanwhile, features for operators include turn-by-turn navigation, information about incidents, up-to-date construction detours, and live videos in the event of emergencies.

Apart from changes to buses themselves, adjustments are also on the way for where some buses will run.