NextBus Acquired by Cubic for $20.6M

NextBus, the provider of real-time transit information, was acquired by Cubic Transportation Systems.

The companies said the deal was worth $20.6 million, subject to terms of the purchase agreement.

Emeryville, Calif.-based NextBus, which was previously a subsidiary of Webtech Wireless of Canada, provides satellite tracking for more than 100 transit systems, including Los Angeles, Toronto, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Boston. In my experience in San Francisco, it’s a useful service, but also a subject of frustration.

San Diego-based Cubic, which makes realistic combat-training systems as well as payment and information systems for transport operators, said it planned to accelerate NextBus growth. The deal was announced on Jan. 24.

Mobile apps for transit have gotten extra attention ever since Apple left transit directions out of its new in-house iOS Maps app. Emerging alternatives include the crowdsourced Moovit, which AllThingsD recently covered.