SYRACUSE -- An initiative by Syracuse University and Centro will soon make it easier to tell if your bus is running on time.
The University announced Friday a program called “Bus Time”, while will provide real-time bus information for bus riders along the school’s Connective Corridor and campus routes. The school says GPS technology and display signs on selected buses and bus stops will alert drivers as to exactly what time the buses are scheduled to arrive.
"Our partnership is bringing technology to Syracuse that typically exists only in large cities," says SU Chancellor Nancy Cantor. "But most importantly, this will make it easier for students and community members to take advantage of the extraordinary cultural assets we have along the Connective Corridor, while increasing the accessibility of University Hill and promoting 'green' transit."
The school says Centro is currently testing the program and anticipated to have it running in the next month. The technological upgrades are said to cost $2.8 million, which will largely be paid through federal grants, as well as money from the State DOT and SU.
SU says riders will eventually be able to watch their bus on a GPS tracking map on Centro's website. The system will also allow users to receive e-mails and text messages informing them of the bus's arrival time.
"Riders will be able to receive exact arrival times of their bus from wherever they are," says Robbi Farschman, director of the Connective Corridor. "This will encourage more people to use the bus by breaking down a potential barrier."
Once the pilot program is completed, Centro says it will evaluate the technology's effectiveness and may consider using "Bus Time" for its entire bus system.
