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9/2/2008 Grey Island's NextBus Predicts 'The Better Way' for the City of Toronto 9/11/2006 NextBus To Roll-out System Wide In San Francisco 5/3/2006 NextBus, Inc. Wins Chapel Hill, NC Contract 4/26/2006 NextBus Wins AC Transit Contract 1/25/2006 Guelph Transit selects NextBus Real-time Passenger Information System 1/23/2006 NextBus Wins Washington D.C. Metrobus Contract 8/24/2005 NextBus Application to Expand in Bay Area 7/13/2005 7/4/2005 Grey Island Completes Acquisition of NextBus 6/23/2005 Grey Island to Acquire NextBus Business 9/20/2004 Grey Island Systems Enters Into Transaction to Acquire NextBus Information Systems Inc. 3/10/2004 Intuicom and NextBus Form Strategic Relationship 3/26/2002 Portland Streetcar goes high tech with real-time public transportation information 01/27/2002 Beach Bus shows 13.5% increase in ridership after installation of NextBus System 12/19/2001 San Francisco to expand NextBus passenger information throughout public transit system 12/13/2001 City Avenue Regional Transit Kick-Off Event 10/2/2001 NextBus Introduces New Management Reports 10/2/2001 NextBus Introduces New Management Reports 9/20/2001 NextBus Takes Another Industry Award 8/14/2001 NextBus Expands Real-Time Transit Information in the Bay Area with AC Transit 7/25/2001 AT&T Digital PocketNet® Service Adds NextBus 6/6/2001 NextBus wins ITS America Award for Best Time-Saving Deployment 4/17/2001 Glendale Beeline to Launch Bus Passenger Information System on April 18th 3/27/2001 3/13/2001 Vail To Provide Real-Time Passenger Information With NextBus System 1/31/2001 OmniSky Offers Real-Time Transit Updates With NextBus 12/14/2000 NextBus wins "Most Original Concept" award at mCommerce WAPPY Awards 2000 11/28/2000 NextBus Information Systems Takes International Wireless Prize 8/10/2000 7/10/2000 9/2/2008 Grey Island's NextBus Predicts 'The Better Way' for the City of Toronto Toronto,
Canada -- September 11, 2006 -- Grey Island Systems International,
Inc. (TSX VENTURE:GIS) is pleased to announce that the Board of
the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) approved the recommendation
for award of contracts for the Next Vehicle Arrival System to Grey
Island for its NextBus System. Total value of the contracts is $9,920,000. The system will use GPS Satellite technology with GPS receivers mounted on vehicles in order to determine the precise location of the vehicle and the intended stop. This data is communicated to a central information centre. The centre uses a dedicated server with software that allows the calculation of an estimated time of arrival for the vehicle. Vehicle arrival times will be displayed on electronic signs at bus stops, streetcar stops and station loading areas, to the internet and to wireless devices such as cell phones and PDA's. The NextBus project has been initiated by the TTC as a measure toward improving customer service, TTC service visibility and increasing ridership. This initiative will provide TTC riders with real-time, reliable and relevant passenger information. Brian
Boychuk, Executive Vice President for Grey Island said, "NextBus
(.com) is dedicated to the public transit industry and its riders.
Its mission is to enhance the experience of using public transit
by providing high value information to both passengers and managers
of public transit. We provide actual arrival times, not schedules.
Bus and streetcar locations are tracked via an automatic vehicle
location system; NextBus processes the information, calculates predicted
arrival times and transmits arrival time predictions to electronic
displays at stops and stations, IVR (interactive voice response)
systems, PDA's, cell phones and to the Internet. Because Owen Moore, President of Grey Island said "This implementation of NextBus, in one of the most prestigious public transit agencies in North America, further exemplifies Grey Island's leadership position in Government based vehicle tracking, telematics and predictive arrival systems. Factors such as increasing fuel prices and increased funding for public transit will continue to drive demand for our products and services, which in turn improves service, and increases ridership and revenues for public transit agencies". Forward Looking Statements This
news release contains forward-looking information based on management's
best estimates and the current operating environment. These things, business risks, changes in market and competition, technological and competitive developments and potential downturns in economic conditions generally. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the expectations of the management of Grey Island will prove to be correct. About Grey Island Grey
Island, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, InterFleet Inc.,
Grey Island Systems Inc. and NextBus Inc., develops, markets and
hosts real-time internet based automated vehicle location systems,
real-time ###
9/11/2006 NextBus To Roll-out System Wide In San Francisco San Francisco, USA and Toronto, Canada -- September 11, 2006 -- The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) and NextBus Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Grey Island Systems International, Inc., today announced an agreement to proceed with the remaining phases of the Automated Vehicle Location project to provide real-time passenger information to MTA riders. The remaining phases include implementation on 550 MTA operated Diesel buses and 400 Rugged Transit Displays at MTA bus shelters. Once complete, the NextBus system, available at www.NextMuni.com, will offer real-time arrival predictions for all 1100 vehicles in the MTA fleet. Additionally, an expansion to the existing project will provide enhancements to the NextBus real-time passenger information service extending information to the 511 phone and web traveler information service available through The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). MTA Executive Director/CEO Nathaniel Ford said, "The MTA continues to lead the country in providing real-time passenger information for its riders to make public transit a more viable option for commuting in San Francisco." The MTC, under the Real-Time Transit Information Grant Program, approved by voters in 2004 as part of Regional Measure 2 (RM2), has provided funding for the remaining phases of the project. RM2 has allocated $20M to real-time passenger information systems that will feed the Bay Area 511 phone and Web traveler information service. MTC Chairman John Rubin said, "The 511 phone and web traveler information service consolidates Bay Area transportation information into a one-stop resource. The addition of real-time passenger information for the entire MTA fleet will greatly enhance the travel experience for MTA riders and will be easily accessible to the people of San Francisco through the toll free 511 phone system." Owen Moore, President Grey Island Systems International Inc. said, "We are proud to have San Francisco as one of our marquee projects - with a rich history in innovative Public Transit initiatives and a will to move the industry forward, the MTA and MTC are ideal technology partners for NextBus." In addition to real-time passenger information, the NextBus system also provides real-time fleet mapping and a replay function that allows Muni to visually analyze the historical behavior of vehicles. Numerous performance measurement reports are available to aid in future planning. About
MTC and 511
About
Grey Island ### 5/3/2006 NextBus, Inc. Wins Chapel Hill, NC Contract TORONTO,
ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - May 3, 2006) - NextBus Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of Grey Island Systems International Inc. (TSX VENTURE:GIS),
announced today that the Town of Chapel Hill, N.C., awarded a contract
to NextBus, Inc. in April to provide a real time passenger information
system for Chapel Hill Transit. The contract is worth approximately
US$ 950,000. NextBus
will provide Chapel Hill Transit with an integrated automatic vehicle
location and passenger information system. Chapel Hill Transit passengers
will be able to obtain the accurate arrival time of their bus, as
determined by the real time position of the vehicle instead of schedule
time. The system is expected to be operational by fall 2006 with
installation on all buses. Chapel
Hill Transit's fare-free public transportation service serves about
six million riders a year in the Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and University
of North Carolina community. "We
are looking forward to implementing these technology enhancements
for the benefits they will provide to our riders," said Steve
Spade, Chapel Hill Transit Director. "The ability for the passenger
to know with confidence when a bus will arrive marks a significant
improvement in the delivery of high quality transit service." NextBus
uses global positioning satellites and advanced computer modeling
to track buses on their routes. Taking into account the actual position
of the transit vehicles, their intended stops, and the typical traffic
patterns, NextBus estimates the bus arrivals. These estimates are
updated constantly as the vehicles are tracked. The information
will be available at certain individual stops via passenger display
signs and over the Internet and personal digital assistants via
wireless connections. "Chapel Hill Transit epitomizes the use NextBus technology in both a stand-alone fashion as well as integrated approach using existing systems," said Joe Monaco, National Director of Sales. "This is an exciting project for NextBus." About
NextBus, Inc. About
Grey Island: ### 4/26/2006 NextBus Wins AC Transit Contract TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 04/26/2006 -- NextBus Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Grey Island Systems International Inc. (TSX VENTURE:GIS), is pleased to announce that the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) has awarded the company a contract to expand the NextBus Real-Time Passenger Information System. The contract is worth $US 1,031,079 and provides for seven years of Real-Time Passenger Information along the existing San Pablo BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Corridor and along the new Telegraph Avenue/International Blvd. BRT Corridor. AC Transit's BRT passengers will be able to obtain the accurate arrival time of their bus, as determined by using the real-time position of the vehicle instead of just schedule information. The estimated arrival times will be available over the Internet, via wireless devices and at electronic signs at specific bus stops. Passengers will now have the ability to plan their public transportation experience down to the minute, empowered to decide if they should rush to the bus stop or choose another stop for more convenient service. AC Transit's BRT project is designed to increase ridership and service reliability by providing improved operations and frequent service in the core urban corridor of the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. The project includes both high-tech solutions such as transit priority at traffic signals, and NextBus real-time bus arrival information, and low-tech solutions such as queue jump lanes, and upgraded and relocated bus stops. "AC Transit expects to achieve the same success in terms of increased ridership and reduced commute times along the 18-mile International corridor (spanning Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley and down town Oakland, and International Boulevard/E. 14th Street in San Leandro) as we have achieved along the San Pablo corridor" said Jon Twichell, Transportation Planning Manager at AC Transit. "AC Transit is a pioneer in introducing customer-friendly technologies and cost effective BRT services," said Lillian Chan, Chief Operating Officer. "We are excited to continue to build on our past successes with AC Transit." NextBus uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and advanced computer modeling to track buses and streetcars on their routes. Taking into account the actual position of the transit vehicles, their intended stops, and the typical traffic patterns, NextBus estimates the bus arrivals with a high degree of accuracy. These estimates are updated constantly as the vehicles are tracked the NextBus system uses patented predictive software in conjunction with Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data to predict the actual vehicle arrival time. The information can be made available at individual stops and retail stores, and is available over the Internet and PDA's via wireless connections. Forward
Looking Statements About
Grey Island About
NextBus: ### 1/25/2006 Guelph Transit selects NextBus Real-time Passenger Information System TORONTO,
ONTARIO, January 25, 2006 -- Grey Island Systems International Inc
(TSX VENTURE: GIS) announced today that City of Guelph Transit Services
Division has selected its GPS/AVL and NextBus real-time passenger
information system (RTPIS). Guelph is the first Canadian transit
agency to implement the NextBus platform which has been proven in
more than forty transit operations across the US. The contract is
worth $344,650 excluding monthly services and route additions. "Canada is witnessing a trend towards increased funding for public transit infrastructure and investments in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) specifically" notes Grey Island CEO Andrew Moore. "NextBus provides transit agencies like Guelph a practical and cost-effective way to take advantage of ITS applications such as GPS/AVL and RTPIS to enhance their services and promote transit ridership". About
Grey Island ### 1/23/2006 NextBus Wins Washington D.C. Metrobus Contract TORONTO (Business Wire) -- NextBus Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Grey Island Systems International Inc. (TSX VENTURE:GIS), is pleased to announce that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has awarded the company a contract to provide the NextBus Real-Time Passenger Information System. The contract is worth $US 2,001,829 for the first year with 4 one-year renewal options at $US 450,000 per year. WMATA's Metrobus passengers will be able to obtain the accurate arrival time of their bus, as determined by using the real-time position of the vehicle instead of just schedule information. The estimated arrival times will be available over the Internet, via wireless devices and at electronic signs at specific bus stops. Passengers will now have the ability to plan their public transportation experience down to the minute, empowered to decide if they should rush to the bus stop or choose another stop for more convenient service. WMATA operates the second largest rail transit system and the fifth largest bus network in the United States. Safe, clean and reliable, "America's Transit System" transports more than a third of the federal government to work and millions of tourists to the landmarks in the Nation's Capital. Metrorail and Metrobus serve a population of 3.5 million within a 1,500 square-mile area. "WMATA is looking forward to providing enhanced bus services by providing real-time arrival and departure predictions. We recognize the importance of this information to our customers to optimize their use of time and we are hoping to increase the bus ridership by making the bus information more accessible to the public" said Beck Pak, Senior Project Manager of Systems. "WMATA is a transit industry leader in introducing customer-friendly technologies" said Joe Monaco, National Director of Sales. "We are delighted to add our new relationship with WMATA to the growing family of NextBus clients " NextBus uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and advanced computer modeling to track buses and streetcars on their routes. Taking into account the actual position of the transit vehicles, their intended stops, and the typical traffic patterns, NextBus estimates the bus arrivals with a high degree of accuracy. These estimates are updated constantly as the vehicles are tracked the NextBus system uses patented predictive software in conjunction with Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data to predict the actual vehicle arrival time. The information can be made available at individual stops and retail stores, and is available over the Internet and PDA's via wireless connections. Forward
Looking Statements About
NextBus: About
Grey Island: ###
8/25/2005 NextBus Application to Expand in Bay Area NextBus Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Grey Island Systems International, Inc. (TSX: GIS) announced today that its application for real time predictive arrival for public transit in the San Francisco Bay Area will expand based on funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). Funds come from the Real-Time Transit Information Grant Program approved by voters in 2004 as part of Regional Measure 2, of which $20M has been allocated to real-time passenger information systems that will feed the Bay Area 511 phone and Web traveler information service. Current NextBus customers receiving funding include San Francisco MUNI, AC Transit and Emery Go-Round, who will receive $11.2M, $927,000 and $105,000 respectively to help expand real-time arrival and departure information services. The remaining funds will be distributed to other Bay Area transit operators to implement real-time predictive arrival systems. These projects are expected to be funded in the next few months with rollout in 2006 and 2007. Muni, AC Transit and Emery Go-Round each have a current NextBus system that provides predictive arrival information to transit riders. The application is unique in that it uses patented technology to provide next bus arrival prediction at bus stops based on real-time information on bus locations. Part of the requirement for the Measure 2 grants was that data provided to the 511 system must be based on predictive, real-time information, and that the information must meet certain performance and accuracy standards. "We are pleased that the NextBus system already meets the performance standards set by MTC," said Owen Moore, President of NextBus, Inc. "This is an excellent opportunity to expand real-time transit passenger information to residents in the Bay Area through the toll-free 511 system." About
NextBus ###
7/13/2005 Real-Time Muni Arrival Information Just a Free Call Away. Measure 2 Delivers Funds for Regional Expansion SAN FRANCISCO, July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Wondering when your train will arrive? Transit riders in San Francisco can now schedule their time more efficiently when taking the Muni Metro light-rail system and Muni's historic streetcars. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the San Francisco Municipal Railway today expanded the Bay Area's popular 511 traveler information system by adding a new demonstration real-time transit service, '511 Arrival Times.' Simply by dialing 511 and navigating through an easy-to-use speech recognition system, riders can learn specifically when the next light-rail train or streetcar will arrive at their stop. Callers simply say "Muni" at the main menu and then "arrival times" to access the service. Further information about the pioneering service can be found on the Web at www.511.org. 511 Arrival Times currently is available on the J, K, L, M and N Muni Metro lines, and on San Francisco's F-line historic streetcar. Like all 511 phone services, 511 Arrival Times is toll free. If the demonstration proves successful, the service will be expanded in the future to include Muni's bus lines. "People's time is precious," says MTC Chair Jon Rubin. "They don't want to spend it standing on the corner waiting for the N Judah. Now they can call 511, and know exactly when the train will be at their stop. If they have a few minutes to spare, they can get a little more work done, run a quick errand or grab a cup of coffee around the corner." New
Funds for Regionwide Expansion Funds come from the Real-Time Transit Information Grant Program approved by voters in 2004 as part of Regional Measure 2. Recommended grants range in size from $105,000 to Emeryville's Emery Go Round shuttle for electronic information signs at the MacArthur BART station in Oakland to $11.3 million for Muni to provide signage and outfit its bus system with the equipment needed to deliver real-time arrival information to passengers. Other grant recipients include AC Transit, Golden Gate Transit, the Livermore-Amador Valley Transit Authority (Wheels), SamTrans, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and the Western Contra Costa Transit Authority (WestCAT). A full list of the recommended grants is available in the press release section of the MTC Web site at www.mtc.ca.gov or by phoning MTC Public Information at 510-464-7787. How
511 Works The 511 Arrival Times service is powered by Alameda-based NextBus Information Systems, which uses global positioning satellite (GPS) technology and advanced computer modeling to track vehicles on their routes and provide real-time arrival predictions. After learning from the Muni demonstration MTC plans to add real-time information for other transit operators to the 511 system in the years ahead. The Muni demonstration will help establish regional standards for real-time transit data, including how best to deliver the information on the phone, on the Web or on electronic signs at transit stops. About
MTC and 511 MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. ### 7/4/2005 Grey Island Systems Completes Acquisition of NextBus Grey Island Systems International Inc. (TSX-V: GIS), a provider of Internet-based Automated Vehicle Location and Telematic systems, has finally closed its previously announced acquisition of NextBus Information Systems Inc. of Alameda, California. The asset purchase transaction was conducted through NextBus Inc., a newly created wholly owned subsidiary of Grey Island Systems International Inc. NextBus Inc. has retained the staff and facilities of NextBus Information Systems Inc. With the addition of the NextBus, Grey Island Systems International Inc., through its 3 wholly owned subsidiaries, Grey Island Systems Inc., Interfleet Inc., and NextBus Inc., employs approximately 50 people in 3 facilities located in Toronto, New York and the San Francisco Bay Area. Total consideration for the assets NextBus consisted of US $700,000 in cash, 1,000,000 warrants exercisable into 1,000,000 common shares at a price of $0.50 per share expiring 2 years from the closing date, and a subordinate non-interest bearing convertible promissory note in the amount of CDN $2,250,000, convertible into shares at $0.325 per share. NextBus reported annualized revenues of US $2.9 million for the year 2004 (un-audited). Grey Island said NextBus currently has contracted future revenues in excess of US $7 million. NextBus uses Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking satellites to provide vehicle arrival information and real-time maps— not just bus schedules — to passengers and managers of public transit, shuttles, and trains. Grey Island entered an acquisition agreement with NextBus initially on September 20, 2004. Grey Island had agreed to acquire NextBus for a consideration of the issuance of 15,456,000 common shares of Grey Island at $0.50 per share. Further, Grey Island would advance US $635,000 to NextBus to retire a number of its financial obligations, concurrent with the closing of the transaction. The acquisition was conditional upon, among other items, the entering into a definitive agreement. ###
6/23/2005 Grey Island to Acquire NextBus Business TORONTO, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - June 23, 2005) - Grey Island Systems International Inc. (TSX VENTURE:GIS), a leader in the Government Fleet Tracking and Telematics industry, announces the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the business of NextBus Information Systems Inc., a private company based in Alameda, California. The acquisition will be conducted through Grey Islands wholly owned subsidiary NextBus Inc., in an asset purchase transaction. NextBus is a leading provider of real-time transit passenger information systems with contracted future revenues in excess of $7,000,000 (USD). According to un-audited management prepared financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP annualized revenue for calendar 2004 was approximately $2,900,000 (USD). The patented technology uses GPS and wireless communications to predict arrival times of transit vehicles, allowing transit riders to know when vehicles will arrive. The information is then distributed to the transit riders via digital wireless signs located at transit stops, and at home via the internet, and automated telephone systems. The information is also used by management to enhance stop locations, routing, scheduling, and real-time schedule adherence. "The two companies have very similar and compatible business models and system architectures. The integration of the Interfleet hardware and data centre with the NextBus application is already complete and being installed in a number of customer locations" said Andrew Moore, CEO Grey Island Systems International Inc. "The acquisition of the NextBus business underlies our strategy to focus on the government AVL and fleet management market, to expand our offerings to additional agencies within our respective client base, and to grow organically and through acquisitions." "NextBus technology is fundamentally improving public transit by eliminating unpredictable wait time. Grey Island has the unique combination of skills and products to implement our vision throughout the transit community." Said Ken Schmier, Founder and CEO of NextBus Information Systems Inc. The asset purchase transaction is expected to close within 2 weeks. In consideration for the assets NextBus will be paid $700,000 (USD), 1,000,000 Warrants exercisable into common shares, on a one for one basis, at a price of $0.50 per share expiring 2 years from the closing date, and a subordinate non-interest bearing convertible promissory note in the amount of $2,250,000 (CDN), convertible into shares at $0.325 per share. The note matures in four years and automatically converts into shares at the end of the term. The holders of the note have the right to convert any portion of the note into shares prior to the 4 year term; such shares would be subject to hold periods. The company can choose to pay any portion of the note prior to the four year term by providing 60 days notice at which time the holder has a right to convert that portion into shares prior to the sixty day notice period. The closing of the transaction is conditional upon customary closing conditions including completion of due diligence, regulatory approval, director approval, and NextBus shareholder approval. A finder's fee of $8,000 (USD) is due to Mr. Michael Kushner on completion of the transaction. NextBus Inc intends to retain the staff and facilities of NextBus Information Systems Inc. With the addition of the NextBus staff, Grey Island Systems International Inc., through its 3 wholly owned subsidiaries, Grey Island Systems Inc., Interfleet Inc., and NexBus Inc., will employ approximately 50 people in 3 facilities located in Toronto, New York and the San Francisco Bay Area. About
Grey Island Systems International Inc. About
NextBus ###
9/20/2004 Grey Island Systems Enters Into Transaction to Acquire NextBus Information Systems Inc. Toronto, Ontario, Sep 20, 2004 - Grey Island Systems International Inc. ("Grey Island" or the "Company") (TSX Venture Exchange symbol:GIS), today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of NextBus Information Systems Inc. ("NextBus"), an information technology company located in California, USA. Consideration will include the issuance of 15,456,000 common shares of Grey Island at $.50 per share. Further, Grey Island will advance $635,000 USD to NextBus to retire a number of its financial obligations, concurrent with the closing of the transaction. The acquisition will be conditional upon, among other items, the entering into a definitive agreement, satisfactory due diligence and regulatory approval. NextBus represents a breakthrough in the way that people utilize mass transit. The approach combines Global Positioning System (GPS) data with patented predictive software to give every passenger, either on the Internet, at the passenger's bus stop, or on the telephone; arrival times for the next few vehicles. NextBus overcomes the single greatest barrier to the use of mass transit - unnecessary waiting. "Joining Grey Island will improve our ability to serve our customers and enable NextBus to expand as a leading provider of real time passenger information in North America" said Ken Schmier CEO of NextBus. "This transaction will further enhance the capability of both Grey Island and NextBus by cross-selling products, expanding each other's product offering and sharing in technology" said Andrew Moore CEO of Grey Island Systems. About NextBus About Grey Island Grey Island Systems Inc. Owen Moore (416) 348-9991 information@interfleet.com ###
3/10/2004 Intuicom and NextBus Form Strategic Relationship Boulder, CO, March 10, 2004 - Intuicom, Inc., a leader in wireless data networks, and NextBus Information Systems Inc. have entered into a strategic relationship to mutually pursue projects in the mass transit marketplace. This partnership brings together Intuicom's GPS-enabled wireless communication infrastructure with Next Bus's advanced high- precision GPS network technology, resulting in a turnkey solution to improve ridership and performance of mass transit systems. Paired with an Intuicom network, the NextBus Passenger Information system can take the vehicle location data from the Intuicom network and deliver all of the capabilities of a NextBus system including forecasting arrival. Advantages of the Intuicom system are lower monthly expenses than either licensed radio or public data networks. Intuicom and NextBus have already deployed a system as a subset of the Denver RTD System in Boulder Colorado. "Intuicom's wireless technology is an ideal solution for communities that cannot or do not wish to rely on the telecom providers for their communication networks or pay the ongoing costs associated with these services," said George Mount, Director of Product Management for NextBus. "This relationship is an excellent match, combining NextBus Passenger Information systems and Intuicom's vehicle location solutions. The result is an effective and efficient solution that will benefit many transit agencies," said Tom Foley, President of Intuicom, Inc. "This relationship that makes sense for both organizations and the transit market." About NextBus Information Systems, Inc.: NextBus, an award-winning information systems company in the transit market is dedicated to providing high quality, reliable, real-time transportation information to the passengers and managers of public transit. About Intuicom, Inc.: Intuicom provides wireless data networks designed to satisfy the most demanding requirements for long-range remote or mobile device networking. Offering alternative to WiFi, landlines, and cellular, Intuicom provides unsurpassed performance and flexibility for advanced serial and serial to IP networks and applications. Founded in 1999, with headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, Intuicom solutions enhance transportation, automation, tracking and precision monitoring applications. ### 3/26/2002 Portland Streetcar goes high tech with real-time public transportation information (March 26, 2002)-Portland, OR-Portland has joined cities throughout the nation with the launch of its new NextBus real-time transit information service. Over twenty electronic signs installed throughout the community will now tell riders exactly when the next streetcar will be at their station, down to the minute. Riders can look at signs installed at their stops, or can access this information over the wired or wireless Internet as well. NextBus combines several technologies to create their real-time vehicle arrival information. GPS receivers are installed on transit vehicles, and this tracking information is used to calculate when a vehicle will arrive at a particular stop. A wireless telecommunications architecture allows vehicles to communicate their location to NextBus servers every 90 seconds or 200 meters, whichever comes first. NextBus then transmits arrival time predictions--not schedules-- to the stop and on the wired and wireless web. NextBus was the first company to serve passenger-focused information to the Internet. A quick check of www.NextBus.com provides extensive arrival times for a large number of transit stops. The electronic information signs will be available at Portland Streetcar stops throughout the community, including the Portland Art Museum, Good Samaritan Hospital, and the Main Library.
### 12/27/2001 Beach Bus shows 13.5% increase in ridership after installation of NextBus System (Rehoboth Beach, DE)-December 27, 2001-DART First State's Beach Bus reported a tremendous 13.5% increase in ridership this summer, the largest increase in the line's eleven-year history. The Beach Bus provides park and ride service during the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day for the Rehoboth Beach resort community. Over this four-month period in 2001, DART First State provided over 235,000 rides, up from 206,700 rides in the summer of 2000. Raymond Miller, Executive Director for the Delaware Transit Corporation feels the NextBus passenger information system contributed to this overwhelming increase. "Before the installation of our NextBus transit signs, the biggest increase in ridership was 3%. We have seen a tremendous growth in passengers since we put this system in 2000." DART First State is operated by the Delaware Transit Corporation, a division of the Delaware Department of Transportation under the direction of Secretary Nathan Hayward III. The NextBus system combines several technologies to create their real-time vehicle arrival information. GPS receivers are installed on transit vehicles, and this tracking information is used to calculate when a vehicle will arrive at a particular stop. A wireless telecommunications architecture allows vehicles to communicate their location to NextBus servers. NextBus then transmits arrival time predictions--not schedules-- to the transit stop and on the wired and wireless web. NextBus was the first company to serve passenger-focused information to the Internet. A quick check of www.NextBus.com provides extensive arrival times for a large number of transit stops. DART First State has equipped all 17 of their vehicles on the Beach Bus route with NextBus tracker technology. Statistics show the line put in about 16,000 service hours this summer. Miller reports that this is fewer service hours than last year, yet the ridership still showed the dramatic 13.5% increase. For
more information about DART First State visit the web at DartFirstState.com
or call About
NextBus ###
12/19/2001 San Francisco to expand NextBus passenger information throughout public transit system (San Francisco, CA)-December 19, 2001-The San Francisco Municipal Railway's Board of Directors have awarded a contract to NextBus Information Systems to provide real-time passenger arrival information for all the city's public transportation routes. The five-year contract includes installation of tracking equipment on over a thousand of MUNI's buses and trains, as well as the purchase of 430 electronic informational signs to be installed at transit stops throughout San Francisco. NextBus currently provides real-time vehicle information for the 22-Fillmore bus line and all of MUNI's light-rail vehicles (lines J, K, L, M and N). This technology has been well received by both passengers and MUNI since its implementation in 1999. Work on the next phase of this project will begin in January 2002 with additional development on these routes, then expand to the historic cars of the F-line and the city's famous cable cars. Schedules for further implementation of the system are pending. "We're excited to carry on the work we've started here. Our founder had the idea that no one need ever wait for the bus again," says NextBus CEO Jim Maresca. "Soon, in San Francisco, we will make that idea a reality." NextBus was chosen for this contract from among three finalists after answering a request for proposals released by MUNI. In addition to real-time passenger information, MUNI will have access to fleet management tools and reports that provide dispatchers and managers detailed information about vehicle behavior and location. Subcontractors on the project are Nelson Nygaard and TechProse. Total contract cost is approximately $9.6 million over the duration of the five-year contract with the majority of the work expected to be completed in the first three years. About
NextBus ###
12/13/2001 City Avenue Regional Transit Kick-Off Event The City Avenue Special Services District is excited to introduce CART, City Avenue Regional Transit. A kick-off event will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at 11 a.m. at the Bala Cynwyd Shopping Center on City Avenue. The festivities will take place in front of Eckerd Drugs at a CART stop. There will be giveaways and balloons for everyone and St. Joseph's University President and City Avenue Special Services District Chairman, Rev. Nicholas Rashford, S.J., State Representative Lita Cohen Lower Merion Commissioners Jim Ettelson and Joe Manko, and Councilman Michael Nutter will address the group. CART is supported with a grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission to reduce vehicle emissions and congestion on area roads. The service was developed and is overseen by City Avenue Special Services District and operated by Krapf's Coaches Inc. with support from GVF Transportation. CART operates on a route from Overbrook Train Station down City Avenue and Main Street in Manayunk returning to Lower Merion on Belmont Avenue. CART has 23 daytime stops and 18 night and Saturday stops. CART uses the innovative NextBus technology, which provides passengers with updated information on the location and arrival time of CART buses including when the next bus will arrive. NextBus information is available online at www.NextBus.com by selecting CART from the agency list and will be available at many of the CART stops on December 18th, including the Eckerd Drugs, Overbrook Ave. and 57th St. (In Saint Joseph's University cafeteria), Adam's Mark Hotel and Arroyo Grille. NextBus will also be available shortly at Bala 1, Bala 3, 555 City Avenue, Radisson Twelve Caesars and Presidential City Apartments (Madison House) stops. NextBus combines several technologies to create their real-time vehicle arrival information. GPS receivers are installed on transit vehicles, and this tracking information is used to calculate when a vehicle will arrive at a particular stop. A wireless telecommunications architecture allows vehicles to communicate their location to NextBus servers. NextBus then transmits arrival time predictions - not schedules - to the stop and on the wired and wireless web. NextBus was the first company to serve passenger-focused information to the Internet. A quick check of www.NextBus.com provides extensive arrival times for a large number of transit stops. "The
City Avenue Special Services District is thrilled to announce the
kickoff of the CART bus. CART will improve access within and to
the City Avenue and Manayunk areas," says David L. Cohen, Executive
Director of City Avenue Special Services District. " And NextBus
will provide CART riders with up to the minute information on the
location of CART buses and will change the way that people ride
buses in the area." About
NextBus ###
10/2/2001 NextBus Introduces New Management Reports (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)—October 2, 2001—NextBus Information Systems announced the development of three new transit system management reports at the American Public Transportation Association’s Annual Meeting. NextBus customers will soon be able to obtain comprehensive fleet reports, detailing vehicle headways, schedule adherence and missed runs. “Our AVL data, arrival predictions, and schedule information are combined and analyzed to generate these strategic fleet management tools while still providing our passenger information,” said NextBus Vice President of Engineering Tom Neale. “This added benefit positions NextBus to be a complete solution provider for the transit industry.” While NextBus has traditionally focused on passenger information, the new reports will provide transit system management information from a historical database. Transit managers will be able to access this information from any web browser, and they will have timely information about a particular vehicle or route. Transit system management reports will be available by the end of the year. NextBus is currently installed in San Francisco, CA, Oakland, CA, Emeryville, CA, Glendale, CA, Ventura County, CA, Santa Barbara, CA, Lowell, MA, Arlington, VA, Fairfax, VA, Rehoboth Beach, DE, Vail, CO, Howard County, MD, Bala Cynwyd, PA, and Oklahoma City, OK and Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. About
NextBus ###
9/20/2001 NextBus Takes Another Industry Award (Emeryville, CA)-September 20, 2001-NextBus Information Systems has been recognized again for excellence in the world of electronic media, taking first place in the American Public Transportation Association's Twenty-Second Annual AdWheel Awards competition. The transportation information company won the award for its homepage www.NextBus.com, a wired and wireless Internet site that provides real-time arrival information to passengers and managers of public transit. NextBus provides real-time information to commuters in San Francisco, CA, Oakland, CA, Emeryville, CA, Glendale, CA and Santa Barbara, CA, Boston, MA, Lowell, MA, Vail, CO, Arlington, VA and Fairfax, VA. NextBus was the first company to serve passenger-focused information to the Internet. A quick check of www.NextBus.com provides extensive arrival times for a large number of transit stops. GPS receivers are installed on transit vehicles, and this tracking information is used to calculate when a vehicle will arrive at a particular stop. NextBus transmits arrival time information--not schedules-- to the stop and on the wired and wireless web. This is the second award this year for the privately-held company. NextBus was honored this spring at the Intelligent Transportation Society of America's Annual Meeting with the award for Best Time-Saving Deployment. NextBus was one of several distinguished transportation solutions in competition for the highly coveted award. In 2000, the company also received Cellmania's Wappy Award for "Most Original Application" and received an Honorable Mention for the W@P Awards, presented in Seville, Spain. "We are very proud to receive this acknowledgement of our work from APTA," said NextBus CEO Jim Maresca. "Praise from one's colleagues is particularly gratifying. And I want to thank the incredibly professional team at NextBus for their tireless efforts." NextBus has also been nominated for the Department of Commerce's National Medal of Technology, the highest honor bestowed by the President of the United States to America's leading innovators. About
NextBus ###
8/14/2001 NextBus Expands Real-Time Transit Information in the Bay Area with AC Transit (Oakland, CA)-August 14, 2001-AC Transit has joined the growing list of transit authorities that provide NextBus' patented real-time arrival information to their public transit passengers. Alameda County Transit has implemented three of their major transit lines with this technology, bringing this information to riders via www.NextBus.com. This information can be accessed over a personal computer, or wirelessly over any Internet-capable device. Rugged outdoor signs displaying real-time vehicle arrival information will soon be installed at two BART stations in El Cerrito and Richmond. This installation increases the penetration of NextBus information in the San Francisco Bay area. San Francisco's Municipal Railway has purchased the system for all of their light-rail vehicles, and their 22-Fillmore buses are also equipped with this technology. Emeryville, California, located between Oakland and San Francisco, has established this service for their Emery-Go-Round passengers since 1998. A Bay Area rider can now choose between several transit agencies and always know when her next vehicle will arrive at her stop. NextBus Information Systems, Inc. combines several technologies to create transit arrival predictions. GPS receivers are installed on transit vehicles, and this tracking information is used to calculate when a vehicle will arrive at a particular stop. NextBus transmits arrival time information--not schedules-- to the stop and on the wired and wireless web. NextBus was the first company to serve passenger-focused information to the Internet. A quick check of www.NextBus.com provides extensive arrival times for a large number of transit stops. NextBus systems are currently installed in California, Massachusetts, Delaware, Colorado and Virginia. About
NextBus ###
7/25/2001 AT&T Digital PocketNet® Service Adds NextBus (July 25, 2001) - Transit riders in nine of America's cities need to look no further than their Internet-ready wireless phones to find out when their next bus or train will arrive at their stop. Today, NextBus users can access real-time transit information quickly and easily using AT&T Digital PocketNet® service. With a few pushes of a button, public transportation passengers are in more control of their commuting experience. "Accurate transit information available anywhere," said NextBus CEO Jim Maresca. "NextBus has this mission. We want passengers to be able to find this information as easily as possible. This step takes us closer to that goal." NextBus combines existing technology to provide real-time, on-the-go information for commuters in San Francisco, CA, Oakland, CA, Emeryville, CA, Glendale, CA and Santa Barbara, CA, Boston, MA, Lowell, MA, Vail, CO and Fairfax, VA. Also, Oklahoma City, OK and Arlington, VA will soon provide NextBus information to their transit riders later this quarter. GPS receivers are installed on transit vehicles, and this tracking information is used to calculate when a vehicle will arrive at a particular stop. NextBus transmits arrival time predictions--not schedules-- to the stop and on the wired and wireless web. NextBus was the first company to serve passenger-focused information to the Internet. A quick check of www.NextBus.com provides extensive arrival times for a large number of transit stops. NextBus information can now be accessed by AT&T Digital PocketNet service subscribers from the Weather & Traffic channel.
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6/6/2001 NextBus wins ITS America Award for Best Time-Saving Deployment (Miami, Florida)—June 6, 2001— NextBus Information Systems, Inc. was chosen by the Intelligent Transportation Society of America as the best time-saving deployment of the year. NextBus was in competition for the national award with several distinguished transportation solutions, including an innovative border crossing identification system and traffic congestion improvement programs. Awards were presented last night at a gala banquet in Miami as part of events surrounding ITS America’s Eleventh Annual Meeting. Winners were chosen by ITSA members from among twenty-two finalists in seven categories. Finalists for the coveted awards incorporated the best of intelligent transportation technology. NextBus CEO Jim Maresca was pleased to learn of the award. “The goal of our system is to put control of the public transit experience into the hands of the passenger. This recognition confirms that we have touched upon one of the main concerns of the transit user: How can I use public transit and not waste time waiting? The NextBus system has provided the answer.” NextBus provides real-time transit arrival information to passengers of public transit. Systems are currently installed in California, Virginia, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Delaware. About
NextBus ###
4/17/2001 Glendale Beeline to Launch Bus Passenger Information System on April 18th (Glendale, CA)- Installation of the NextBus passenger information system will be completed this week, making the City of Glendale the first in Southern California to provide this technology. Passengers of the Glendale Beeline Transit Service will soon know when the next bus will be at their stop, down to the minute. The system will be unveiled on Wednesday, April 18 at 11:00am during a press conference and live demonstration. The press conference will be held at The Glendale Marketplace located at 106-146 S. Brand Blvd. in Glendale. NextBus Information Systems, Inc. brings real-time arrival information to both passengers and managers of public transit. Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers have been installed on Beeline buses, which provide tracking information. This information is used to calculate when a vehicle will arrive at a particular stop. NextBus transmits arrival time predictions - - not schedules - - to the wired and wireless web. This service is free and passengers can access the bus arrival predictions by using a link at the Beeline web site (www.GlendaleBeeline.com) or by going directly to the NextBus web site at www.NextBus.com. In addition, two electric changeable message signs have been placed at the mid-block Beeline bus stops on Brand Boulevard (between Harvard and Broadway). NextBus passenger information will be displayed on these signs as well. Passengers of Beeline Routes 1 and 2 will be able to access NextBus passenger information on April 18, 2001. These two routes serve the greater downtown Glendale business district as well as the Glendale Transportation Center. The City expects to expand the NextBus prediction service to cover all routes by fall of 2001. The City has received a grant in the amount of $1.1 million from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to implement a transit priority system and the passenger information system is one component of the entire program. For more information contact City of Glendale Transportation Section at (818) 548-3960 or visit the Glendale Beeline web site at www.GlendaleBeeline.com or the NextBus, Inc. website at www.NextBus.com |