Explore Live NextBus Implementation
We now have more than 50 North American transit systems using real-time reporting on 100s of routes. Please begin with a virtual visit to the new NextBus installation at MIT in Cambridge, MA--and from there to all of our live installations. Click here to begin your exploration.
Jul
11
Towson University Tags NextBus for Improved Shuttle Service
Filed Under AVL Systems, Feature Stories, Real-time Passenger Information Systems, Transportation Trends, University Transit | Leave a Comment
Maryland school invests in transit technology to better serve its community of shuttle riders.
With nearly 20,000 students, Towson University is the second-largest public university in Maryland. As a metropolitan university, Towson combines research-based learning with practical application. Their many interdisciplinary partnerships with public and private organizations throughout Maryland provide opportunities for research, internships and jobs. U.S. News & World Report ranked Towson University ninth in the Public Universities-Master’s (North) category for its 2008 America’s Best Colleges issue.
Jul
11
What’s Better? A Large Fleet of Small Buses or a Small Fleet of Large Buses?
Filed Under Best Practices, Feature Stories, Research, Transit Trends, University Transit | Leave a Comment
In February 2008, a most useful research tool appeared on the transit management scene. But what was merely useful in February may be a vital tool today in the face of a 33% increase in the price of fuel from February to June 2008.
The National Center for Transit Research at the University of South Florida has provided a decision support tool to help fleet owners decide on the best mix of large versus small buses. The Center includes both an extensive report on its methodology and a sophisticated spreadsheet which enables fleet managers to model multiple variations of fleet sizes and types.
One obvious element in the report stands out: The advantage in per mile fuel cost that small buses have over large buses. Back in February, per mile fuel costs were significantly less than parts and labor.
Today, thanks to the spike in gas and diesel prices, the per mile fuel costs for large buses is almost as high as maintenance charges.
The ability of this decision support tool to help transit managers evaluate fleet composition becomes all that more important as fuel costs look to meet or exceed maintenance costs on large buses in particular.
Clearly, implementing effective transit management systems which maximize ridership and minimize mileage will be critical to accommodate increasing demand for transit services to university communities.
To get a complete copy of the report and the decision support tool,click here.
Jul
10
NextBus is Key Sustainability Component at U of S. Carolina
Filed Under Best Practices, Feature Stories, Sustainability, University Transit | Leave a Comment
NextBus technology powers 50% increase in student ridership
The University of South Carolina takes sustainability seriously. They apply the concept of sustainability broadly throughout the campus in everything from green buildings to student transportation. NextBus has been able to play an important role in developing a more sustainable transportation environment.
Jul
10
Paperless Schedules May Be the Secret to Keeping Your Riders Happy and Safe
Filed Under AVL Systems, Best Practices, Feature Stories, Real-time Passenger Information Systems, Transit Trends, University Transit | Leave a Comment
There is an old joke that the paperless office is just as likely as they paperless bathroom. That may be true, but in the case of transit schedules and maps, paperless looks like the way to go.
Apart from the obvious benefit of saving trees, digital information can be made both easier to use and much more timely than anything committed to paper. Moreover, all generations but particularly student populations are used to searching for everything online. They expect to find what they want, including bus schedules, where they want them and when they want them.