Houston launches trip planning app

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston Texas’ (Metro) unveiled its new T.R.I.P. (Transit Route Information & Planning) application.

The new technology, bundled into one convenient download, retrieves Metro schedule information, predicts arrival time of buses, and helps riders better plan trips aboard Metro’s entire transit system.

Features include:

•    Where Am I?: Uses the GPS in your phone to pinpoint bus routes and rail lines close to riders’ locations.

•    Next Transport: Gives information on scheduled and real time bus and rail arrivals.

•    Plan My Trip: This piece of the technology will find a convenient route for riders’ trips based on arrival time, transfers, and/or walking distance.

“This is just the beginning of our smart phone technology push to make it easier for passengers to plan for and take trips with Metro,” said Metro Chairman Gilbert Garcia. “We want more people to use the system, this is another way we are showing our commitment to doing just that.” 
 
Randy Frazier, Metro VP and Chief Information Officer, oversaw development of the new application. “Our testing shows riders can count on the METRO TRIP App to accurately predict arrival of the next bus to within three minutes,” he said. “We expect to continue work on this app to expand its uses and reliability."

T.R.I.P. information is displayed on kiosks at Downtown Transit Center & City of Houston Visitor Center. The application is available as a free download at Apple, Android and Microsoft stores as well as on Metro’s ridemetro.org.