Link Transit Bus Information Can Now Be Available Via App

Link Transit recently announced the launch of online tools for riders that will allow busses to be tracked by riders, dispatchers and schedulers. Riders can download the free app, mySTOP, from the App Store or Google Play, select Link Transit and have access to information about their route or stop.

"The new mySTOP app we have available for folks is a way for them to get route and schedule information and real time information to where their bus is on their smartphone," said Eric West, communications coordinator. "So they don't have to wait at the bus stop wondering when the bus will be there, if it's running on time, to find that out, it's all available on the app."

Riders can subscribe to notifications for updates on delays and reroutes. The app also doubles as a platform to submit feedback on service.

"It's not an end all be all solution, but it's a big step in the kind of direction transit is going. With real time capabilities now, there's no need to have a schedule book in your pocket," said West.

Not only will this app alleviate the headache of keeping track of buses, but also the GPS hardware allows Link insight into a host of information. Buses are equipped with automatic passenger counters that records where people are getting on the bus and at what time. This helps Link make route and scheduling decisions in the future.

No personal information is collected through passenger counters.

"It's pretty easy user type of stuff," said West. "We're hoping people really take advantage of it."