Our technology
Our technology allows us to provide YRT/Viva and YRT Mobility Plus customers with a reliable, informative and convenient public transit system. We strive to stay on the leading edge of technology by implementing new and innovative features for our customers. Continue reading below to learn about some of the technologies we have.
Developer Centre
YRT/Viva has opened its resources to independent application developers interested in promoting the use of public transit. Visit our new Developer Centre to learn more.
Behind our real-time technology
All YRT/Viva and Mobility Plus vehicles are equipped with Computer-Aided Dispatching (CAD) and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems. It is through this combined system that we are able to offer real-time service information to our customers.
CAD offers comprehensive centralized real-time tracking and dispatching. Data transmitted from our vehicles is processed by the CAD system and provides bus positions, schedule adherence and incident information to the YRT/Viva Control Centre.
AVL provides the real-time position of each vehicle using global positioning system (GPS) technology. The location of each vehicle is relayed to the YRT/Viva Control Centre.
The combined CAD/AVL system provides benefits such as optimized performance of service, increased reliability and passenger safety. Our field supervisors and inspectors can monitor vehicles wirelessly and respond to any issues. The system allows for continuous communication between vehicles and the YRT/Viva Control Centre.
Try our RideNow real-time features now!
Online: Enter or select any four-digit bus stop number through the Schedule Finder or RideNow features to access real-time info.
Email: Send an email to RideNow@york.ca with your four-digit bus stop number as the subject line. Real-time info for the next few buses due at your stop will be emailed back to you.
Phone: Call the YRT/Viva Information Line at 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978) and use your four-digit bus stop number to hear real-time info for the next few buses due at your stop.
Variable Message Signs and LCD screens
Our electronic variable message signs (VMS) display valuable information to our travelling customers. These signs are installed on YRT/Viva vehicles and at terminals and vivastations and allow for increased communication with customers..
VMS signs at terminals and vivastations display real-time arrival information for routes servicing that stop. The current time and any additional information that may be valuable to our customers (i.e. service changes and rider alerts) are also displayed.
On-board vehicle displays show destination information when the bus is stationary at a stop or terminal. Once the bus leaves the stop or terminal, next stop information is shown.
YRT/Viva is in the process of installing LCD screens at some terminals. These screens will display consolidated real-time bus arrival information for services at that terminal.
Automated stop announcements
All YRT/Viva vehicles are equipped with on-board audio announcements. The on-board system will automatically announce next stop information 200 metres ahead of every stop. Coupled with the on-board VMS display, all customers (including those with visual or hearing impairments) will always be aware of upcoming stops during their ride.
Traffic Signal Priority
The use of Traffic Signal Priority (TSP) facilitates quicker movement of Viva vehicles through busy signalized intersections. The TSP system on Viva is capable of setting priority levels, making it one of the most sophisticated systems in North America, and is only activated to ensure the Viva service adheres to its scheduled frequency. TSP activation results in a green light signal extension or red light signal hold, depending on the traffic signal cycle.
Security cameras
YRT/Viva vehicles and properties are equipped with security cameras. There are four to six cameras on-board each bus
and a digital video recorder. Terminal and bus stop cameras allow for remote real-time review and recording to improve safety/security and to monitor service performance.
Video footage is not archived and is only retrieved from a bus or terminal if requested from police or YRT officials as evidence to a particular event.
Automatic Passenger Counters
Automatic Passenger Counters (APC) are installed above the doors in YRT/Viva vehicles. They keep track of the number of customers entering and exiting a vehicle at any given location. This data is used to analyze service use and patterns and helps in Service Planning.
Automated fare machines
Our Viva Rapid Transit services uses a proof of payment system to allow for faster boardings. Customers buy their fares using automated ticket vending machines and ticket validators installed at vivastations and terminals. Learn more.
PRESTO
PRESTO, the electronic fare card system for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), has launched in York Region. Customers tap their PRESTO card on a PRESTO payment device and the appropriate fare is automatically deducted from the card's stored value. Learn more.
Partnership with Google Maps
Since 2008, YRT/Viva has been working with Google to provide schedule information to Google Maps for their Google Transit service. In September 2012, we began providing real-time information through Google Maps.