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NextBus is a public transit vehicle tracking system which uses global positioning satellite information to predict when the next vehicle will arrive at any given transit stop, thereby reducing wait times and the reliance on schedules. This system was developed by NextBus, Inc. for buses, trams, light rail operations and other public transport vehicles. The company was founded by Ken Schmier and Paul Freda in 1997 in Emeryville, CA with U.S. Patents 6,006,159 & 6,374,176. As of 2013 the company systems were operating in 130 + locations. <U.S. Patents 6,006,159 & 6,374,176></ref> NextBus was acquired by the Cubic Corporation in January 2013.
Contents
Overview
Each vehicle is fitted with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, which transmits speed and location data to a central location where a computer running proprietary software calculates the projected arrival times for all stops in the system using this data along with configuration information and historic travel times. These times are then converted to a 'wait time' and made available via the NextBus website and electronic signs at bus stops and tram stops as well as cell phones, and other wireless devices via the Internet.
Usage
NextBus provides a real-time passenger information system for all routes for several major transportation agencies including the San Francisco Municipal Railway, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and the Toronto Transit Commission. The system is also available in many other smaller universities and public transportation agencies for a total of approximately 100 systems.