People catching a GizzyBus or Waka Kura bus can now track their bus live, thanks to a new “Know before you go” feature on Council’s website.
The new live bus maps and timetables let passengers check where the bus is before they leave, helping them plan ahead, save time and travel smarter.
Libby Young, General Manager Journeys, says the new feature is a significant step forward for local public transport.
“Public transport works best when people can rely on it. Live tracking gives passengers confidence and certainty because they can see where their bus is in real time.”
Gisborne District Council is one of only a handful of councils in New Zealand to offer this level of live bus tracking technology.
Using technology installed on buses, passengers can now access accurate, up-to-date information about bus locations and timetables from their phone, tablet or computer.
The feature is designed to be easy to use on mobile devices while people are on the go.
With around 70 percent of local bus users travelling to and from school, the feature is expected to make a real difference for students, parents and whānau during busy morning and afternoon trips.
“This is a big leap forward for Gisborne and puts us among a small number of councils nationwide offering this technology to our community,” says Ms Young.
“Our bus service webpage is consistently among the most visited pages on the Council website, so we know people want fast, accessible and up-to-date travel information.”
The feature allows users to follow buses live on the map and check estimated arrival times before heading to their stop.
“Whether it’s students getting to school, people travelling to work or whānau heading into town, this makes catching the bus easier, more convenient and less stressful.”
The live tracking system is part of ongoing improvements to bus transport services.
Bus users can try out the new feature by visiting Council’s bus services website page.
