The Road to Convenience: Why Public Transit Agencies Should Offer a Passenger Mobile App
In today’s fast-paced world, technology has augmented every aspect of our lives, making tasks more efficient and convenient. Public transit agencies are no exception to this trend, and many organizations are only just now recognizing the benefits of offering passengers a mobile app.
An app can transform the way people access and use public transportation, which in turn increases ridership and enhances accessibility. In this blog, we’ll explore the numerous reasons why public transit agencies should embrace the change and provide their passengers with a dedicated passenger information app.
Real-Time Information
One of the biggest advantages of a rider-facing mobile app is the access it provides to real-time information. Passengers can easily see live bus locations, while also receiving updates about delays, route changes, and even available seating. This reduces frustrations associated with using public transit – such as the perceived unpredictability of arrivals – and the lack of transparency surrounding delays.
This enhanced visibility for passengers improves their overall experience, giving them the tools they need to effectively utilize public transit services. For example, Passio Technologies offers a mobile app called Passio GO, which allows riders to ‘favorite’ frequently used stops, schedule ETA alerts for specific days and times, and generate a trip plan from origin to destination.
Convenient Ticketing
Fares are the lifeblood of any transit agency, though many still utilize outdated fare and ticket systems. With a dedicated passenger mobile app, riders can buy and generate passes on the go, from wherever is most convenient. With mobile wallets, passengers can pay with their preferred payment method, further enhancing convenience and versatility.
This has added benefits for agencies themselves, as it reduces the need for physical ticketing locations and cash transactions.
Accessibility
Passenger-facing transit apps can provide necessary accessibility features for those who need it the most. For example, mobile applications can be equipped with tools for the visually impaired. Using sound prompts, riders are guided to their stop, receive a real-time ETA for the next vehicle, and the app announces each arrival and departure in real-time. This creates an enhanced passenger experience for those with sight-based disabilities, who often rely on public transit to get around.
Data Analytics
Mobile apps offer a valuable source of data and analytics for transit agencies. Transit organizations can gain insights into passenger behavior, such as popular routes, peak travel times, and preferred payment methods. This data can be used to optimize services, make impactful, data-driven decisions, and tailor services to meet the evolving needs of their communities.
Modernizing Transit
For transportation to best serve the needs of their passengers, it needs to keep up with modern innovations. In today’s age, there’s no reason why anyone should ever have to wonder where the next bus is or when it will arrive. Transit mobile apps give agencies the ability to quickly communicate with their riders, give live vehicle updates, and receive important notifications regarding delays, closures, and detours, and allows them to customize their transportation experience like never before.
Passenger information app also has tangible benefits for transit operations. In addition to giving organizations a direct line of communication with their passengers, the automation and information these apps provide are invaluable for maximizing service efficiency.
If transportation organizations want to increase their effectiveness and improve their riders’ overall experience, passenger information apps are the logical next step in transit tech.
