During 2006, ResourceShelf began two collections:

1) Real-Time Information and Resources

2) Tools and Resources for the Wireless/Mobile Web

We will start 2007 with one a service that fits into both categories.

If you live in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area or are a visitor, it’s likely that you’ll make use of the Washington D.C. Metro train (and perhaps a bus) system at one time or another.

If that’s the case, you can now access real-time train and bus info (just like you see on the message boards on the platform) either on the web or the wireless web. The data is provided by NextBus.com, a company we’ve mentioned many times on ResourceShelf.

Here are the URL’s:
+ CommuterPages.com (Regular Web)
Includes info and links to of the regions public transit systems including timetables.

+ Instructions: CommuterPages.com Wireless Web Services (For Various Devices)

++ Direct to Wap.commuterpage.com
Includes schedules, news, Metrobus/Metrorail Trip Planner and Next Bus/Train Info)

++ For Wireless Web: Direct to real-time, next train info For Metrorail (by station)

++ For Regular Web: Access real-time, next train info by selecting a station, then clicking the Next Train link.

++ Access real-time, next Metrobus info (available for selected routes)
Also works on regular web. You can also be notified when the next bus is approaching via SMS.

These real-time pages should autorefresh every 30 seconds.

See Also: Metrobus and Metrorail Maps

See Also: What’s Near Each Metro Stop (via Stationmasters.com)

See Also: Metrorail Alerts (via e-mail). An RSS feed is also available.

NextBus uses GPS technology to monitor trains and buses and then predict when they’ll arrive at specific stops or stations.

Another large public transportation system that uses NextBus technology is the Muni in San Francisco. A version of of the entire NextBus system optimized for the wireless web is also available.

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 14th, 2007 and is filed under Real-Time Information, Wireless Web and Search. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.