The R-LINE Receives a Technological Upgrade--AVL and Projected Real-Time Arrivals
Posted: 02-05-2010 : RALEIGH, N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Downtown Raleigh Alliance and the City of Raleigh introduce the R-LINE’s newest technological upgrade—automatic vehicle locations (AVL) and projected real-time arrivals at two key stops: R13-Raleigh Convention Center and R4-West and Peace.

The AVL application enables riders to view an online, interactive map of the R-LINE route, with actual bus positions displayed in real-time. The live map, available at http://www.yourhere.com/rline, relies on a GPS feed from the moving bus, which is pushed to the interactive map for updating every 5 to 10 seconds.

The website also provides projected arrival times for the next approaching bus and the one to follow for two key stops: R13-Raleigh Convention Center and R4-West and Peace. These projected arrival times can also be viewed on mobile devices, such as iPhones or Blackberry Smartphones. To access the mobile site, visit www.yourhere.com/mobile from your mobile browser and click on "R-LINE" from the top navigation.

David Diaz, President and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance says, “Our partnership with the City of Raleigh has enabled us to offer a service for downtown that is the first in the nation. Usually this type of application is offered for city-wide transit systems, but not specifically for downtown circulators. We’re excited we had the opportunity to apply this technology to the R-LINE.” This service will enhance the accessibility of the downtown circulator and make riding the R-LINE even more efficient for residents and visitors alike.

Loren Gold, Executive Vice President of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau says, “Over 340,000 people attended conventions, trade shows, banquets, meetings and assemblies at the Raleigh Convention Center in the first 12 months of its operation. Providing this new R-LINE information is not only an added value to the attendee, but it is a great selling tool for future groups looking at our destination and deciphering how their attendees can access our entertainment and dining destinations.”

The R-LINE operates Monday through Wednesday (7 am-11 pm), Thursday through Saturday (7 am-2:15 am), and on Sunday (1 pm-8 pm).

About the Downtown Raleigh Alliance

The Alliance serves as an independent contractor for the City of Raleigh to supplement city services in the downtown district. Our vision is to be recognized as the leader and champion for a vibrant and dynamic downtown. The Alliance is a guiding force in shaping a healthy center that anchors the city and region. Our mission is to effectively and efficiently deliver five core services. Through our dedicated board and staff, we are responsible for providing the following services: Advocacy and Member Support, Clean and Safe Ambassadors, Economic Development, Marketing and Events, and Public Space Management.

About Capital Area Transit
Capital Area Transit provides bus service Monday through Sunday to the city of Raleigh. Serving an average of 5 million passengers and covering an average of 3 million miles a year, CAT operates 39 fixed routes and 2 express routes throughout the city. CAT also operates three regional express routes through a partnership with Triangle Transit. Service is provided Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on all routes and from 4:30 a.m. to midnight on select routes. Sunday service also is available on select routes from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In addition to regular bus routes, CAT operates a fare free Downtown Circulator (R-Line) that provides service to downtown Raleigh residents, visitors and employees. The R-Line provides service Monday through Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.