With You, At All Times
For better efficiency and quality of service
The new operational support and rider information system is becoming a reality as sophisticated equipment is installed on the STO's 313 buses and new operating software is implemented.
What is an operational support system?
This sophisticated equipment enables us to track the movement of buses in the system in real time and to know their geographic location in Gatineau and Ottawa at all times. All the information generated by each bus will help to greatly improve and facilitate management of the bus system and services.
The new approach to rider information
We are gradually implementing these new technologies. All our buses are now equiped with this new information system.
The new system accompanies you throughout your trips every day, provide you with more reliable and precise information about the time that a bus will be passing a stop, or by announcing the next stop on a bus route, amongst other things.
Real time information tools!!
Now you can find out exactly when your bus will be at your stop. That way, if there's a storm, an accident on the road, a demonstration or road work, you can always know how long it will take the bus to get to your stop. This is invaluable information for anyone taking the bus because it gives them the chance to stay in a shelter a little longer or to take another route.
Transit App in Real Time
Thanks to a partnership between the STO and Transit, our clientele now has access to a real-time app. This already very successful app is a great new tool that will definitely make your bus trips much easier.
Variable message signs and displays
Located at the stations in the Rapibus corridor and at the busiest bus stops, they display continuously updated information in real time such as bus arrival times, whether a bus is at the platform, the last trip for a route and even disruptions in the system. Also, trips offered by a bus equipped with an access ramp are identified by the accessibility symbol.
Infobus service
Available by telephone, text message and the mobile site, the Infobus service gives the next two buses passing at a stop in real time. Information is more precise and allows you to know when your bus will be at your stop. Consequently, if there is a snowstorm or traffic congestion, you will know exactly how much time it can take for the bus to arrive.
Audio and visual announcements on board!
Intelligent transportation systems improve the rider experience by providing more precise information using bus geolocation. On board, vehicle geolocation makes it possible to provide audio announcements and display information on the variable message signs about upcoming stops, detours, the imminent departure of the bus, stops that are not served, and more!
“Margaux”, the voice you hear en route!
Frosty or foggy windows, twilight or standing riders blocking your view are no longer a problem when you need to identify your bus stop. The 283 members of the STO rider panel, along with the vote of 318 drivers, can be credited with choosing the voice of Margaux, created by a voice synthesis system, that riders hear on their trips, that improve the quality of our services and even more.
Advantages for better efficiency and quality of service
The operational advantages of the new operational support system will impact riders by improving the quality of service. Concretely, thanks to all the equipment installed on the buses and the data collected, it will gradually be possible to:
- Improve service reliability and regularity such as connections, service at stops and bus dispatching;
- Collect precise information on the service offered for better analysis of the system in order to make future improvements
- Conduct automatic passenger counting for planning new services;
- Make the most optimal service adjustments when the buses are overloaded;
- Facilitate management when detours and unexpected situations arise;
- Get information and statistics rapidly on all trips (early/delayed) in order to adjust the service accordingly;
- Publish more realistic schedules, established according to data on the real travel times for buses on a specific route;
- Optimize vehicle maintenance.
You have comments to share with us?
Contribute to the successful implementation of the new intelligent transportation system by sharing your observations, comments, or even appreciation, with us. It's easy! Please note the time and day along with the bus and route numbers then, e-mail us at: infovoyageur@sto.ca
