Vancouver’s Webtech Wireless Inc. (TSX:WEW) has signed a three-year contract with a public transit authority in Ames, Iowa, to implement its vehicle telematics system on 80 buses.
Webtech makes a range of GPS-based vehicle tracking systems used for fleet location and management by governments, public transit authorities, utilities and transportation companies.
Webtech’s NextBus Real-Time Passenger Information System (RTPIS) will be used on all buses in the CyRide system. CyRide is a public transit authority involving the City of Ames and Iowa State University.
The system includes 24-inch LED signs on the university’s campus that will allow riders to view real-time transit information, such as arrival and departure times, delays and rerouting.
Webtech’s NextBus system also allows CyRide supervisors to use iPads to keep track of fleet movement.
Funded jointly by the City of Ames and Iowa State University, CyRide provides a “fare-free” service that allows students to pay for ridership per semester.
“Implementing a real-time predictive transit solution is the most requested technical upgrade from students, and as the project is funded in part by the student body, we're especially excited to give them what they're asking for,” said CyRide operations supervisor Barbara Neal.
WebTech CEO Scott Edmonds said, “We’re very excited to be working with the CyRide on this important project, and applaud their vision to implement the NextBus bus transit solution, which is increasingly popular on university campuses.
“Faculty, staff, and IU students are now within easy reach of real-time transit information.”
