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TransLink says this app estimates the number of available seats on the next bus

Ever wonder if a bus is going to be crowded – especially when you want to try to stay away from others due to COVID-19? TransLink says it now has an app for that.
Transit app photo
A rider uses the Transit app.

Ever wonder if a bus is going to be crowded – especially when you want to try to stay away from others due to COVID-19?

TransLink says it now has an app for that.

“TransLink is launching a new feature in collaboration with Transit app, which allows customers to see the estimated number of seats remaining on board buses when planning their transit journey,” reads a news release. “As part of TransLink’s Reconnect Campaign, the new feature will help customers feel confident knowing if there will be room on their vehicle before leaving home.”

When customers plan their journey through the Transit app or check the real-time location of their bus, they will now notice a symbol indicating how many seats are likely to be available on board. Rating categories will let you know if there are usually many seats on board, some seats, or standing room only on that bus at that time. These estimations are based on historical ridership data to provide the best possible prediction of how full the bus will be.

This initiative is a result of the 2020 Open Call for Innovation. The team behind the Transit app were the successful applicant of the Open Call to make transit safer and more comfortable for customers. The Transit app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android smartphones.