Wash.'s Link Transit rolls out new suite of online tools for riders
The initiative is the culmination of a nearly two-year long project to equip all Link buses with GPS hardware that allows the bus to be tracked by riders.
Wenatchee, Wash.’s Link Transit is launching a suite of online tools that will give riders more information about where their bus is, let them subscribe to notifications of delays and reroutes, and give them a way to provide feedback on service issues, all from their smartphone.
The initiative is the culmination of a nearly two-year long project to equip all Link buses with GPS hardware that allows the bus to be tracked by riders as well as Link Transit dispatchers and schedulers. Additionally, buses are equipped with automatic passenger counters that record where people get on the bus, and at what time. No personal information is collected through these passenger counters.
Ad Loading...
Riders can download the free mySTOP Mobile app from the App Store or Google Play. Once they have selected Link Transit from the list of transit systems, they can select their route or their stop to find out where the bus is, and how long it will take to get to their stop.
Aside from the benefits to Link riders from this system, there is a host of information provided through the system that will assist Link in making route and scheduling decisions in the future. Additionally, the technology allows operations staff to monitor route performance in real-time and make on-the-fly adjustments to routes and schedules in case of an accident or other event that will impact the route.
Link Transit partnered with Avail Technologies on the project. Avail Technologies provides intelligent transportation services to small- and medium-sized transit properties throughout the U.S.
A major goal of the pilot, which begins in April, is to test the speed, functionality, and durability of new handheld devices to scan Ventra and paper tickets.
Traditionally, bus lane enforcement has relied on manual processes carried out by transit police or parking enforcement officers. While it may be effective in certain municipalities, this approach is resource-intensive and very difficult to sustain.
A phased approach to technology, in-house capabilities, and workforce investment is helping transportation leaders break the reactive cycle and build more resilient, revenue-focused operations.
The landmark event empowers riders across six agencies in the Puget Sound region to tap-and-ride transit using a contactless credit or debit card or a mobile wallet.
Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.
Menard discusses how data-driven signal prioritization is improving efficiency, reliability, and ridership, while offering insight into the innovations driving the next generation of smart mobility. Together, they explore how technology and collaboration are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable future in transit.
The pilot program showcases two companies’ technology at eight bus stops. The companies submitted their ideas through the Transit Tech Lab, which is backed by the Partnership Fund for New York City and provides an accelerated pathway for early to growth-stage companies to solve public transportation challenges for the largest transit agencies in North America.
