What is realtime and how will it help me?

realtime is a new system to provide up-to-the minute information about your local Preston Bus service and when it will arrive at your stop, keeping passengers better informed and will give buses priotity if they are delayed at selected junctions.

Seventy-five stops throughout Preston have been fitted with displays which will tell passengers when the next Preston Bus services are due, and give predicted arrival times if the bus is expected to be late.

In addition to the on-street displays, information will also be avbailable in the future from many other stops, by telephone, on the internet and by mobile phone text message.

The Information Sign - The signs show the following information.

How does it work? - The system works by tracking the location of all Preston Bus services using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology. The information is then sent from the bus to the signs that tell you when your bus is due.
If the bus is running late it will communicate directly with traffic signals en-route, where possible allowing the bus priority by extending or reducing the signal times.

Partners - Lancashire County Council and Preston Bus have worked closely together to develop the project. The realtime system is another example of joint working arrangements which involve major expenditure to deliver improvements to the quality of the services that we provide.