Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

The new version allows you to highlight a single mode of transportation (subway, bus, or train), temporarily hiding the other transit information, thus making it easier to map your destination.

Launched a website for customers to sign up for project updates on its pilot program to let commuter rail riders purchase and display tickets on their smart phones. Expects to pilot the program on one commuter rail line in the early fall.

The first iPhone app the MTA has developed itself can also be used on for iPod Touch and iPad. Key features include overviews of line service changes, as well as text summaries of the changes; text-based information about any service changes impacting a borough; and details on any service changes impacting that station.

The officers have learned to use the “Find My iPhone” features, as well as similar applications that track down other brands of cellphones such as Droids and BlackBerrys.

Smart phone users simply open the application, select an issue, take a picture and tap “submit” — the application picks up the exact location and sends the issue directly to the agency staff member responsible for addressing the issue.

Reminds riders that stations and vehicles are an extension of city streets and require the same level of vigilance. Recent targeting of smart phones and other high-end electronic devices by thieves are the focus of the 2,000-plus public service ads in place on Muni buses and light rail trains.

Riders can use the new site to plan trips across the region on Sound Transit and partner agency buses and trains; look up bus and Sounder schedules; locate Sound Transit parking facilities and use GPS technology to enter start and end points in the trip planner.

Google’s new free app allows riders to use their smart phones to make “tap and pay” transactions to pay their fares.

Integrates fleet management technologies with ZoomSafer’s FleetSafer policy management tools to help customers manage employee cell phone use while driving.

MTA App Quest challenges tech developers to create software applications that increase access to information and improve the travel experience for customers of New York's public transit system. The winning app developer will receive $5,000. Smaller cash prizes will go to the developers of apps that are judged to do the most to help transit riders and deemed most popular by the public.