A new application, currently in development, will provide transit passengers with route updates in real time. Sounding similar to the recently released Google Maps for Android Transit Navigation feature, SMART-WAY uses the phone’s GPS system to keep track of the rider’s location and will vibrate when the destination or transfer point is coming up. UsersRead… Read more »
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY) is challenging developers to create new software applications that improve the transit experience of its 8.5 million daily riders. A panel of judges will evaluate the apps and select the winners; in addition, a public vote will determine two popular-choice winners. Developers will have access to more than a dozenRead… Read more »
The Toronto Transit Commission (ON) launched real-time arrival information for its bus system on Monday. Arrival predictions are available for 9,300 TTC stops inside Toronto as well as 800 regional stops served by TTC contracted vehicles. Information is available by text message and online from both TTC and NextBus; signs also display the information atRead… Read more »
Twelve months into the program, Barclays Cycle Hire (UK) has racked up some impressive statistics, but critics say that the program is not a reliable commuting option. The program has 6,000 bicycles (often called “Boris bikes” in reference to Mayor of London Boris Johnson) at docking stations throughout central London, and users can unlock theRead… Read more »
Officials have moved to an automated ticket system for Golden Gate Ferry (CA), replacing full-time ticket agents at the Larkspur, Sausalito, and San Francisco terminals. The move eliminated seven positions, although five of the agents have been offered or accepted jobs within the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District. Twelve ticket machines were installedRead… Read more »
The Syndicat des Transports d’Ile-de-France, the authority that oversees public transportation for the Paris region, plans to adapt the contactless Passe Navigo to NFC-enabled mobile phones. La Tribune reports that STIF has applied for funding from the French economic stimulus fund. Link to English-language summary in Telecompaper. Link to original story in La Tribune. OriginalRead… Read more »
Chicago-area transit agencies have four years to develop a universal fare card, thanks to a new state law enacted Thursday. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed the measure, which will allow passengers to use a single fare card to travel on Chicago Transit Authority, Metra commuter rail, and Pace Suburban Bus. Although the three agencies hadRead… Read more »
With Phoenix reaching triple-digit temperatures this week, a new solar-cooled rail stop provides welcome relief for commuters waiting for Valley Metro (AZ) trains. Customers can press a button at the shelter, and fans will blast them with cold air for 15 minutes. According to a Reuters story, the blowers can cool the stop by asRead… Read more »
Google has introduced a transit navigation feature in its latest release of Google Maps for Android mobile devices. Still in beta, Transit Navigation enables transit riders to track their progress stop-by-stop along a route in more than 400 cities worldwide. (Engadget reports on its field test in New York City here.) When riders enter theirRead… Read more »
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (DC) is testing a feature that will enable riders to add value to their SmarTrip cards online. The pilot includes 5,000 riders, including 50 recruited via Twitter. Riders can add between $10 and $200 online but, as Greater Greater Washington notes, the system cannot instantly update the card balance.Read… Read more »