S.I. Buses Now Equipped With 'Bus Time' Tracking Service

By: Tina Redwine

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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Wednesday launched its “Bus Time” service on Staten Island, allowing commuters to follow their buses in real time via smartphone or computer thanks to GPS technology. NY1’s Tina Redwine filed the following report.

It's called “Bus Time,” and on Wednesday the Metropolitan Transportation Authority rolled it out on every bus that runs on Staten Island.

“For the people with some of the longest commute times in the country, this is a really good day,” said City Councilman James Oddo.

Bus Time uses GPS to let riders track where each bus is in real time. Riders with smartphones or computers can get updated arrival information on the MTA website.

Regular cell phone users can text the ID number posted at each stop and get a text back saying how many stops away the bus is.

“As we know, the buses here on Staten Island are our subway system, and when we saw the MTA introduce real time on the subway system a couple of years ago, we thought that was great, but we wanted to something here and here we are,” said State Senator Diane Savino.

After seeing the program, Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro talked to the MTA about installing display screens at some bus shelters to get the information to riders who don't have access to technology.

“It would cost $3,000 per bus stop, so I volunteered to pay for it. So I'm going to give them $200,000 right now,” said Molinaro.

New MTA Chairman and CEO Joseph Lhota said Bus Time will help deal with a frequent complaint of riders.

“It's also going to help out bunching, you know when buses sometimes get too close together? We’ll be able to monitor that and be to tell them we need to spread them out a little bit more so there’s more on a consistent basis,” said Lhota.

Riders NY1 spoke with were impressed.

“I was shocked to see that,” said one.

“It’s going to allow me, like, to manage my time easier, you know,” said another.

“That’s absolutely wonderful. It’s about time they done something especially for Staten Island. We’re the forgotten borough,” said a third.

MTA officials say they will evaluate the program on Staten Island for two months before deciding which borough gets Bus Time next.

The agency insists it will be on all city buses by the end of next year.