BusFinder

General Improvements

• Improved design allows for easier navigation and speedier interactions.
• Fully integrated with www.communitytransit.org and mobile-friendly.
• BusFinder will still work even when location services are disabled or otherwise unavailable.

More Ways to Search

• BusFinder is now searchable by:
  • stop number
  • bus route number
  • address
  • location name

• Intuitive location search now returns bus stops, bus routes, and addresses of map locations.
• Predictive search automatically populates the search bar based on the text entered.
• “Use my current location” feature zooms into your current location and shows the nearest stops using the device's location settings.
• Switch route direction with a single button click when viewing the route.
• Stops and routes can be easily shared with a friend by clicking the "share" button.

Favorites: Make Them Truly Your Own

• Stops and routes can be added/removed from a favorites list easily, and show up first
   in the search bar.
• Saved favorites can be given custom labels (up to 50 characters) and rearranged according to personal preference.

Maps That Interact With You

• New map view is searchable and more intuitive.
• Routes and stops are shown "live" on the map with icons showing start/end points and potential service delays (e.g. snow, traffic, etc.)
• Your current location is shown clearly on the map.
• Map continues to function even if location services are disabled.
• Real-time traffic information overlay by Google Maps^TM can be toggled on or off.

Bus Location: When, Where and How Far

• Arrival time and a countdown timer (showing minutes to arrival) are shown for arriving buses.
• The direction of bus travel is clearly noted on both the route list and map.
• Bus stops served by multiple routes clearly show the other routes that serve them, including Transit Centers and Park & Rides.
• Bus route bay numbers are shown next to the bus arrival information when applicable.
• Estimated walking time from your current location to the desired stop is shown.

Schedule Information

• A green “LIVE” icon displays when BusFinder is receiving real-time data from a bus.
• Service alerts are clearly displayed when searching for a route and stop.
• A link to the full schedule for each route is posted below the route name.
• Stops will clearly say when no buses are scheduled to depart within 120 minutes.

Do I need to download BusFinder?

No. BusFinder works with your desktop or mobile browser.

Does BusFinder work on any phone/device/computer?

The BusFinder web app is designed to work on the latest iPhone and Android devices as well as desktop computers (PC and Mac).

For the best experience, we recommend using the latest version of a modern web browser like Chrome, Firefox and Safari.

What do I need to use BusFinder?

1. Mobile device or desktop with internet access
2. Internet browser
3. On a mobile device, make sure “Location Services” is enabled for the best user experience.
4. On a desktop, when the pop-up window asks if you want to share your location, click “YES” for the most accurate results.

I already use another real-time app. Why should I use BusFinder?

BusFinder has the most direct, reliable, real-time connection to Community Transit bus service.

While other real-time apps can access our open data, we’ve designed our new BusFinder to help you plan your commute in our service area complete with:

1. Interactive maps that show stops along the route, AND 
2. Real-time rider alerts that appear on screen so you can plan your commute on-the-go.

Use the “Favorites” feature to save your most used Routes and Stops:

1. Find a Route or Stop
2. Click on the “Favorite” icon
3. Go to “View All Favorites”
4. Name your Favorite whatever you want by clicking on the “Add a description” field.
5. To delete a Favorite, click on the garbage can icon.
6. If you have more than 2 Favorites, you can reorder them by clicking on the multi-arrow icon and shift positions.

How do I delete a saved Route or Stop in the BusFinder?

Click on the garbage can icon to delete it.

How do I use GPS/Location-based search in BusFinder?

In your phone settings, make sure you are allowing your browser to access your Current Location.

What happens to the Favorites I have saved in the old version of BusFinder (pre-July 1, 2020)?

Your Favorites are saved in your browser's cache. When you delete your cache, your favorites are also deleted.

Any Favorites you have in the current BusFinder will need to be recreated.

How do I find my bus?

In the text field under the heading ‘Search Real-Time Transit Information,’ type in a route number, stop number or other location details (e.g. address or landmark). Then, make a selection from the results that are returned.

Do I need to allow BusFinder to know my location in order to use it?

If you want to see accurate interactive maps, real-time locations of buses near you and other location-based GPS data, you need to allow Location Sharing in your browser.

If you do not allow access to your location and you select the “Use my current location” for search, your browser will present a pop-up window asking if you want to block or allow sharing your data. We recommend you click on “allow.”

Why would the “current location” listed not match where I am?

It’s likely your Location Services settings are turned off or you are not allowing your phone to share your location.

Please see your phone/browser settings and allow your browser to access your location.

Do I need to refresh the page to get updated real-time information?

No—BusFinder will automatically refresh every 30 seconds.

Why don’t I see my saved favorites?

As of July 1, 2020, the old BusFinder has been retired. The "new" BusFinder will require you to recreate and resave your Favorites.

But they’ll be easier to find in the new BusFinder—plus, you can name and reorder them for your convenience!

How do I re-center the map on my current location?

To re-center the map, click on the icon at the top right corner of the map.

How can I view real-time traffic information on the map?

At the top right corner of the map, click the sliding button labelled “Traffic” to see real-time traffic conditions overlaid on the map. To remove the traffic overlay, click on the sliding button again.