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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.