STA has launched new real-time tracking features on its website, giving riders more accurate bus arrival information and an improved user experience. The updates expand real-time data availability beyond digital monitors to the STA website, making it easier for riders to track their bus as they plan trips and wait for the bus.

The most noticeable change is a new map on each route page that shows where buses are along the route in real time along with a list of estimated arrival times that are drawn from GPS data. The map automatically refreshes after thirty seconds, but users can refresh the list of estimated arrival times by pressing a button.

The new interface also differentiates scheduled and live times using color coding: black for scheduled times, green with an animated beacon icon for real-time estimates, and red for buses that are more than five minutes late.

A revamped timetable view now provides more detailed route information. Riders can toggle between published timepoints — that is, stops along a route with set departure times — or expand to view all stops along a route.

Additionally, a new tab allows users to access route schematic maps pulled from the printed schedules.

Another key enhancement is the integration of service alerts directly into route pages. Previously, riders had to visit a separate page for detour and cancellation notices, which they may still do if they wish. However, now, active alerts will be prominently displayed in the upper right corner of route pages, and cancelled trips will appear in red within the timetable.

“This is a huge step forward for STA,” noted STA Web Services Manager Chris Tohm. “People today are used to tracking their flights or packages, but public transit agencies don’t have decades of private investment in real-time systems like airlines and other industries do. STA has had to build and refine these tools, ensuring they work efficiently for our riders.”

With the system now live, further refinements are expected that will be incorporated based on feedback from riders using the new features.