Sonoma County Transit Implementation of NextBus and System Enhancements

In October 2015, Sonoma County Transit equipped its 50 bus fixed-route fleet with the NextBus Passenger Information System. NextBus provides real-time bus arrival information for each of Sonoma County Transit’s over 1,100 bus stops, and can be accessed on smartphones, the Internet, or at bus stops equipped with NextBus real-time information signs.  Upon introduction, real-time information signs were installed at Sonoma State University, downtown Cotati and at the Sonoma County Airport.  By implementing NextBus technology and utilizing the information generated by the system, Sonoma County Transit will empower passengers with accurate arrival predictions, reducing uncertainty associated with the use of public transportation.  By spring 2016, Sonoma County Transit will have approximately 20 new shelters with NextBus signs at major transit stops countywide. NextBus signs use LED displays to show station identifier and arrival times for the next two vehicles servicing the stop location. The real-time prediction for arrival of the next vehicle is recalculated periodically for all bus stops and the updated information is broadcasted to the message signs. For the remainder of Sonoma County Transit’s bus stops, NextBus information will be available to smart phone users and on the internet, or can be accessed by calling a local number that will be available at each stop. Along with automated NextBus information, new custom transit shelters are being installed that will feature USB charging ports. Sonoma County Transit is leading the initiative to use new technologies to make its service increasingly more convenient and reliable.   NextBus offers a broad range of web-based tools that enable Sonoma County Transit to maximize system efficiency, including schedule adherence and headway management. NextBus provides comprehensive reports for managing daily operations, as well as, planning for future expansion and improving coordination with connecting systems.  The NextBus system cost approximately $240,000. The system was funded primarily (about 95%) with a grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, with the remaining funding coming from Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds. The new shelters cost between $8,875 and $10,550 each, depending on size. The new shelters are funded with a combination of grants from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Caltrans and the Federal Transit Administration.