By bus, by bike, by car

Arrival times online

With service improvements well underway for 2009 – more buses, more routes, less waiting – the Toronto Transit Commission is poised to make customers’ experience using the TTC even better this year.

TTC customers with Internet access, BlackBerrys, PDAs, or cell phones, will be able to get critical up-to date information from the TTC about service disruptions, route diversions and information about when their next bus, streetcar or subway train will be arriving. Add to that a web feature called trip planning. It will allow anyone with Internet access to plot and plan their TTC trip from point A to B, and how long they can expect that trip to take.

While the TTC’s focus remains on ensuring safe, reliable service for its approximately 1.6 million daily riders, the TTC also recognizes that customers want to interact more with the TTC. Information about when the next bus or streetcar is due to arrive – using GPS on board all surface vehicles – will greatly enhance the TTC experience for riders. Before leaving from home, for example, a TTC customer will be able to go online and see precisely where, on its route, the next vehicle is located – in real time.

Last fall, the TTC launched a pilot project at Dundas station that displays when the next subway train is due to arrive. Using the platform video screens on subway platforms, next train arrival information provides riders with crucial information, especially when an unforeseen delay on the system occurs. In 2009, screens will be installed throughout the entire subway system, providing customers with next train arrival information on every platform.

Throughout 2009, subway mezzanines, bus platforms and select bus and streetcar stops across the TTC network will be outfitted with next vehicle arrival information signs. The LCD and LED signs will provide up-to-the minute next vehicle arrival information. Additional features will allow customers to use SMS text messaging for information about next vehicle arrival information on all TTC surface routes. The final project roll-out will include a unique identifier for each vehicle stop to allow customers to obtain specific stop information via wireless technologies (i.e. Internet and/or SMS text messaging).

Last August, the TTC launched its new website, redesigned to be more accessible and more user friendly. Enhancements to the website began with the introduction of subway service disruption notices in November 2007. While content and new sections continue to be added, the site is set up for future applications, such as self-serve trip planning and the purchasing of passes using debit or credit cards. This year, the TTC’s website will allow customers to subscribe to email alerts for disruption notifications, route diversions and special events. By subscribing online with your e-mail address, the system will automatically send a message to your e-mail address when there are major disruptions to service – either planned or unforeseen. Special events, like Nuit Blanche, often mean enhanced TTC services for Torontonians. E-alerts will keep customers apprised of upcoming special service.

One of the most anticipated features in the works is the web-based trip planning application. Scheduled to be online this summer, it will give TTC users a self-serve means of planning their transit trips using routing information, timing points and walking distances, available 24/7.

Public transit in Toronto is the thread that binds this city. Using technology to keep its customers informed will help make the TTC experience an even better one.

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