What is the NextBusBristol system?
The NextBusBristol system tracks buses through a global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation system and provides the departure times of your bus.
How does it work?
The system uses GPS to track the location of buses. Buses send updates about their location to a central system, which then transmits this data for display at bus stops and other off street locations. Thus a passenger can see, in near real time, the progress of buses approaching their required stop.
How can I access the information?
You can access the information via the internet or viewing one of the displays installed at selected bus stops in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Searching for my bus stop using the map
In order to locate a bus stop, zoom down to the smallest level where all bus stops are displayed. In order to move to a different area either pan around the map or zoom back out, and then zoom back in to display the bus stops. After selecting a bus stop from the map, a separate window opens for that bus stop listing the next departures. Click on the 'detach window' to view more departures from the bus stop, to view special messages that may have been sent to the display (e.g. in the event of a bus stop closure), and also to 'bookmark' the stop into your favourites list for future reference.
Which bus operators & services are currently available on the system?
First: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 20, 24, 25, 36, 40, 40A, 41, 43, 44, 44A, 45, 48, 49, 51, 53A, 53C, 54, 54A, 57A, 70, 73, 73A, 73B, 75, 76, 90, X73
Wessex Connect: N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, U1, U2, U3, U4, U5
N/B Please see 'System Check' section for news on additional bus services that will become operational on the system. Alternatively please contact public.transport@bristol.gov.uk
Why do I not get a predicted departure time for my bus service?
The bus operators, Bristol City Council, and South Gloucestershire Council are working hard to improve the number, and quality, of real time predictions.
There are currently three main reasons why you may not see a predicted departure time for your service.
1) Bus operator or service not part of the system
Real time predictions are only given for those operator's which have become part of the system. The operators currently involved are First Bristol, First Coaches and Wessex Connect. To find out if real time predictions are available for your bus service please see "What services are currently available on the system"
2) Incorrect journey information
The system can only generate a real time prediction when the driver enters his journey information into the ticket machine. Sometimes, the information entered is not correct and this will mean the system cannot generate real time predictions for that particularly journey.
3) Faulty equipment
There are occasions when some of the 350 buses are not correctly functioning. All buses are equipped with an on board computer, GPS system, and aerial. The bus operator, Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council are working hard to ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and each bus is monitored remotely to ensure the onboard equipment is working correctly.
Are real time predictions accurate?
Real time predictions are usually very accurate, especially where a prediction of 10 minutes or less is given. Travel conditions can vary so the system learns based on previous journeys down the same route.
What are the benefits of the system?
Improved information for the public and the bus operator.
Passengers can view information from home, at work, or at a bus stop that has a display. Bus operators can view in real time the location of buses and actively manage the operations to minimise the impact of any emerging problems. The data gathered from the buses can be used to improve the reliability and punctuality of buses.
Traffic Light Priority equipment installed at selected junctions enables the bus to trigger the traffic lights green if it is running late in order to make up time.
Where should I send feedback or complaints about the system?
You can email any feedback to public.transport@bristol.gov.uk