Sunshine Coast passengers can track the next bus from the palm of their hand with the Queensland LNP Government’s roll out of real-time info starting on the Sunshine Coast today.
Acting Transport and Main Roads Minister Andrew Powell said the new technology was one of the biggest changes to public transport technology since smart card ticketing in 2008.
Passengers can visit the TransLink website or the MyTransLink app to see when their bus is due to depart their stop,” Mr Powell said
“We’ve made public transport more frequent, reliable and affordable and now the Newman LNP Government is delivering 21st century travel on the Sunshine Coast.
“At the swipe of a touchscreen, passengers can now check if they’ve got time for another coffee before they head off to the bus stop.
“Our strong plan for public transport is making travel more convenient than ever before – ensuring Queenslanders can spend more time doing what they want, instead of waiting for the next bus.”
GPS technology shows up-to-the-minute departure times of exactly where the bus is, with information updated every 30 seconds or better.
Assistant Minister for Public Transport Steve Minnikin said real-time technology has the ability to transform the way people use public transport and is easy to access.
“To coincide with the launch of the new technology, TransLink developed a new app available to download free from the App Store and Google Play for iOS and Android users,” Mr Minnikin said.
“Real-time data is also available to third-party app developers as part of the Queensland Government’s Open Data initiative and I look forward to seeing what exciting and innovative apps might be developed as a result.”
Real time technology was delivered on the Sunshine Coast with the support of the local council.
Sunshine Coast Council Transport Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the new real-time system was a big change in the public transport service on the Sunshine Coast.
“We will wonder how we did without it. It’s the start of new era of seriously useful information that can make the difference between choosing to use a bus rather than your car,” he said.
Passengers travelling on Brisbane Transport buses and Brisbane City Council ferries will be the next to benefit from real-time information, with all other operators to follow by early-2015.
For more information about real-time or about the MyTransLink app, visit www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30, anytime.
