98 B-Line
The 98 B-Line was an experiment in bus rapid transit, or BRT. It was the first bus line in Vancouver to be equipped with GPS receivers, automated stop announcements, and traffic light "sustainers", which hold the stale green light long enough for the bus to pass through the intersection. These technologies were installed by Siemens Inc. and Novax Inc. instead of the conventional two-way Motorola radio system used by most other coaches in the system. Siemens also installed a special computer into these buses for both announcements, radio functions, and schedule information. These computers are for transit personnel only.
When the Canada Line was being constructed through the 98 B-Line route in both Vancouver and Richmond, many of the features of the BRT technology were not being fully used. Examples include bus stops with no digital "next bus" information, or inactive stop announcements on coaches. The system was not repaired and the 98 B-Line has discontinued service on September 7, 2009 two and a half weeks after the opening of the Canada Line.
Read more about this topic: Coast Mountain Bus Company, B-Line Services, Routes