The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDoT MTA) is displaying real-time bus crowding levels to riders via the Transit app.
The MDoT MTA says the feature updates information every 10 to 15 seconds, allowing riders to receive up to the minute information on total bus occupancy levels.
The department describes the augmentation of the Transit app as an important component in helping riders feel safe and comfortable as transit ridership increases.
The app shows bus occupancy information in the categories of 'Not Crowded' (up to 30% of bus capacity), 'Some Crowding' (between 30% and 75% of bus capacity) and 'Crowded (more than 75% full).
Riders can determine the current crowding level on an approaching bus by pressing a vehicle icon in the app. The real-time occupancy information is powered by sensors on the MDoT MTA buses that provide live boarding an alighting counts.
MDOT MTA administrator Holly Arnold says: "This new bus crowding feature will be a valuable tool for those who want or need more space while travelling."
MDOT secretary Greg Slater says: "Real-time information on bus occupancy levels is helpful for many riders, and this new feature gives us yet another tool in enhancing our customer experience with information that’s important to them.”
In 2018, the MDoT MTA partnered with Transit to bring real-time tracking information to its Local Bus, Commuter Bus and Marc (Maryland area rail commuter) train service. Real time arrival information for Metro SubwayLink and Light RailLink are expected to launch later this year.
