Busways' Regional Operations Manager Mark Lawrence joined Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole and Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh in Coffs Harbour on 26 July to announce the first phase of the Transport Connected Bus program, a significant investment in regional transport operations.

Coffs Harbour will be one of the first regional centres in the State where customers can track the arrival of their bus and get an indication of available seating in real time.

Mr Lawrence said while this technology is a huge boost to regional operations for our customers, it will also provide Busways and the Government with access to more accurate data and tools to improve services and keep buses running on time.

“This technology will capture information about the number of customers getting on or off at a particular stop. This will give us a more accurate picture of how and when customers are travelling, which will make it easier for us to understand where service improvements need to be delivered,” Mr Lawrence said.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the technology will allow customers to track the location of a bus, its estimated arrival at a stop, and how full the bus is.

“Coffs Harbour is one of three regional centres statewide that is leading the charge on real-time tracking. It will allow customers to see exactly when their bus will be arriving, which means less time waiting at the stop and more time at your destination,” Mr Toole said.

“The launch of this technology is a huge step forward for people travelling in regional areas. It shows our ongoing commitment to make public transport a first choice in regional parts of the state.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said Transport for NSW has partnered with CONSAT Telematics, a global leader in public transport telematics solutions, to deliver the vehicle tracking technology in collaboration with regional bus operators.

“It’s great to see the NSW Government delivering on its commitment to provide quality services and infrastructure to growing regional communities like Coffs Harbour," Mr Singh said.

The rollout of the first phase of the technology is nearing completion and will launch to customers by the end of July.

Customers travelling in regional NSW will be able to view reliable timetable information and real-time updates using the Transport for NSW Trip Planner tool at www.transportnsw.info and other travel apps.