Transit app's new feature predicts how full the next bus is
Wondering whether you'll be able to fit on transit with your suitcase? Trying to avoid crowded situations due to COVID-19?
A new feature launched by TransLink and the makers of the simply-titled app "Transit" will help would-be passengers know what to expect before boarding the bus.
TransLink announced a partnership with the app company Wednesday. Other transit agencies have already partnered with the Quebec-based app company, including the Toronto Transit Commission and the Société de transport de Montréal.
According to the Metro Vancouver transit provider, the Transit app will allow those waiting for a bus to see the estimated number of seats available.
"The new feature will help customers feel confident knowing if there will be room on their vehicle before leaving home," TransLink said in a news release.
As before, customers planning a trip through the app can check the real-time location of a bus on their route of choice. But now there will be a symbol indicating how many seats are likely empty.
TransLink said rating categories will let an app user know if there are usually many seats, some, or standing room only on that route at that time. These ratings are based on historical ridership data, the transit provider said.
It's a feature that's been available on SkyTrain lines for some time through Google Maps.
For example, at noon on Wednesday, that app said the Expo Line is generally "a little busy."
But there was no estimate for the number 22 bus along Clark Drive toward downtown. Instead, Google Maps asked the app user to rate whether it was "not crowded," "not too crowded," "crowded," "very crowded" or "at capacity."
It appears a similar feature will be available through Google Maps when enough riders have submitted their feedback.
The Transit app showed an incoming 22 bus usually had many seats available at that time, but suggested the SkyTrain might be a bit busier.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.