MTA launches streamlined app that provides service updates in real time
Via MTA on Flickr
After a six-month development process, which included working with over 2,000 commuters, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority launched on Monday a smartphone app that offers real-time updates for the subway, buses and trains, as well as trip planning options and service updates. Because the app, called MyMTA, is a beta version, the MTA is asking for feedback from straphangers about the app’s functions and what needs to be added or improved. The authority also gave their website a much-needed upgrade, with a more sleeker web interface.
The authority’s managing director, Veronique Hakim, said the app and website will help plan commutes and “personalize” transit experiences. “Best of all, it gives our customers access to insider information from our control centers about planned work and delays,” Hakim said in a statement. “Want to know what’s going on anywhere in the system? MYmta will tell you.”
MyMTA, which is available on iOS and Android devices, also provides users with nearby stations and stops based on location. And the app includes a “unified” trip planning function which includes trains, subways, buses, the Staten Island Ferry, NYC Ferry, PATH and NJ Transit trains.
Transit officials believe this new, all-encompassing app will allow New Yorkers to delete the multiple other ones used on a daily basis.
“But with the beta launch of MYmta, riders will finally have one single app for everything: real-time service updates, subway and bus arrival times, LIRR and Metro-North schedules, and even commuter rail tickets through the eTix app,” Nick Sifuentes, the executive director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, said.
The MTA is also asking commuters which features should be included in the next version of the app. These include real-time map tracking of bus, trains and subways, live trip alerts, share-trip feature and an iMessage integration feature that would allow users to share location via iMessage.
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