Real-Time Bus Tracking & ETA System

Problem statement

Commuters and students often wait at bus stops without knowing where the bus is or when it will arrive.

Abstract

This project tracks buses in real time using GPS devices or driver mobile apps. Location data is sent to a backend server, stored in a database and exposed via REST APIs. A React web application displays buses on an interactive map and calculates estimated arrival time for each stop.

Components required

• GPS device or Android phone in bus
• Backend server (Node.js and Express)
• Database such as MongoDB or Firebase
• Frontend web app in React
• Map service like Google Maps or Leaflet
• REST APIs for location and ETA data

Block diagram

Working

The GPS device or driver app sends latitude and longitude to the backend at fixed intervals. The backend updates the database with the latest position for each bus. When a user opens the web app, it calls REST APIs to fetch bus positions and displays icons on the map. The app computes distance from stops and estimates arrival time based on speed and route.

Applications

• College and school bus tracking
• City public transport
• Company shuttle tracking
• Fleet management dashboards