Keeping track of Marguerite on the web

Marguerite riders no longer will have to wait at campus shuttle stops wondering whether the next bus will arrive on time. An automated bus-tracking system recently launched by Parking and Transportation Services (P&TS) allows riders to check a web page for real-time information about Marguerite shuttle arrivals and departures.

Global positioning system equipment mounted on the university's new fleet of buses transmits information about shuttle locations to a computer, which transfers the data to a clickable map of campus shuttle routes showing bus icons along each route. When a user's mouse passes over a bus along a shuttle route, the web page identifies the shuttle route and displays the status of the bus (on-time or late) and the last shuttle location where the bus stopped. When a user clicks on a shuttle stop, the next three departure times for that stop are displayed. If a bus is running more than two minutes late, the schedule automatically is adjusted to show the new time. Information about the shuttle departure times also is available in text tables, so that riders using dial-up connections for Internet service or handheld computers can view the information.

The new tracking system will allow shuttle users to more confidently plan commutes and is an additional way to encourage more members of the campus community to use alternative transportation, said Robin Rolls, transportation demand management coordinator.

Although the map is now available for use, it will continue to be upgraded, Rolls said. "The smartest people out there are the users. We really want people to let us know how it is working."

To use the map, go to http://transportation.stanford.edu and click on the "Marguerite Real-Time Schedule & Interactive Shuttle Map" link. (The map requires Flash Media Player, which is available as a download for free on the web page.).