Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

B.C. Transit tests mobile-friendly website that has trip planning

It is a little difficult to use on mobile devices and it kicks you to Google if you want trip planning. B.C. Transit’s website, which hasn’t changed much in the past decade, could stand some improving.

It is a little difficult to use on mobile devices and it kicks you to Google if you want trip planning. B.C. Transit’s website, which hasn’t changed much in the past decade, could stand some improving.

The Crown agency recognizes the shortcomings and has been working on a major upgrade. They recently rolled out a “public preview" and you’re invited to have a look and to make suggestions.

I mostly like the site as it appears in the preview. But there are quirks.

The trip planner, where you type in where you’re leaving from and where you want to go, is integrated into the site instead of relying on a Google interface.

But it can make odd suggestions and has unexplained jargon. For example: Walk to westbound Vernon NS Nigel (#100642). When I asked for directions from Uptown to Swartz Bay ferry terminal, it suggested that I get off way too early and walk, instead of simply staying on the bus and getting off in front of the terminal.

In the mobile version, when I touched the link for the Route 6 schedule, I had to scroll past alert boxes, next departures, the trip planner, the find a bus route search box, the next bus at this stop box, and a route map before the schedule appeared.

My nitpicking aside, the new site is a definite improvement. But the information on it still reflects the schedule, not reality. There’s no gear in place yet — as there is in Vancouver — that tracks the real-time location of buses, versus where the schedule says they should be.

You can find B.C. Transit’s new website for Victoria at: preview.bctransit.com/victoria/home

- - -

My previous posts are here.

 

- - -

 

Most-popular posts:

 

Review: B.C. Hydro’s EMU-2, energy monitor and nag

 

Figuring out how to eat unfamiliar foods properly, like dosa

 

Despite hassles, travellers pack public transit for ferry trips

 

To stay cool, leave house windows closed or open?

 

A guide to public toilets in downtown Victoria

 

How to block unwanted text messages

 

Why B.C. Hydro bills sting more on Vancouver Island

 

Why newer dishwashers run for an alarmingly long time

 

Riding the ferry for fun, and for the buffet

 

Most credit cards charge 2.5% for currency conversion; a few charge 0%

 

Why paying $720 for a phone can be a better deal than a 2-year contract

 

Tips to make applying for a passport a little easier

 

How to pronounce Ucluelet, Tsawwassen, and that outdoor gear place

How to travel between Victoria and Vancouver on public transit

 

- - -