On September 29th, Janesville Transit went live with new technology to improve efficiency and the rider experience. JTS implemented Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) on its buses. The AVL system allows riders to review bus routes and bus stops; and see the real-time location of JTS buses. Riders will then be able to use this information to track their bus and know when to show up to bus stops. Riders may access the real-time bus location data using our free app or may view it on a webpage through the city website. To find the app, download “Doublemap” from the app store and then search for “JTS” or “Janesville”.
Having the AVL location data available for each bus also allows JTS to improve our accessibility for riders with disabilities and new riders to the System. As a bus arrives at the geo-coordinates of specified timing points; major intersections; points of interest; and transfer points along the route, an automatic audible announcement is made inside the bus. The announcements are also displayed on an electronic sign within the bus. Having audible and visual announcements as to the bus’s location provides situational awareness and improved independence for riders who have visual or auditory disabilities. These announcements are also helpful to riders new to Janesville or those who are just beginning to ride with JTS.
With the presence of mobile data on board, riders are also able to connect to Wi-Fi courtesy of Janesville Transit. Wi-Fi connectivity allows riders to access our online services or connect to the internet while on the bus.
Riders may also text a bus stop ID number to 608-299-4170 to learn when the bus will next be arriving. All bus stops signs have a unique ID number in the lower right hand corner. In the body of the text write ETA and then the bus stop ID number in question. Riders will then receive an automatic text with the name of the route(s) that serves the stop and the next estimated arrival time.