RTC debuts new features to its popular rideRTC app

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada added two significant features to its popular rideRTC mobile ticketing and trip planning app. Beginning this month, users can incorporate Transit+, an enhanced trip planning tool that incorporates multiple rideshare options, and update their rideRTC app to include Transit Watch, a “See Something Say Something” security feature that allows riders to report transit-related offenses and suspicious activity.

“Today, more than 70 percent of our transit customers use smartphones, and we’ve seen more than 200,000 downloads of our rideRTC app so we are excited about the expanded capabilities with Transit Watch and Transit+,” said RTC General Manager Tina Quigley. “These features take rideRTC to the next level where transit riders not only can plan their trip and buy their tickets, but also access ride-sharing services and report any suspicious activity, all in one app. Additionally, we can use this platform to leverage data to better understand travel patterns, operational performance and security needs. This valuable insight will help us create a more efficient transit system and transportation network that can better respond to the mobility needs of our community.”

The RTC partnered with Transit in 2016 for the trip planning portion of the rideRTC app. Now, Transit has debuted Transit+ that, for the first time ever, includes multiple ride-hail operators, such as Uber and Lyft, so users can see all the suggested ride-hailing services available to connect with transit and get them to their final destination. This first-of-its-kind feature allows users to plan, book, and pay for a ride from either Uber or Lyft, while getting real-time updates on their RTC connection—all in one app, reducing waiting times and allowing customers to compare options for connecting to transit.

Transit+ is different from other trip planning apps because it highlights the synergy between ride hailing and public transportation and how multimodal options can serve the needs of its users. The RTC was selected as one of only eight bus-only transit agencies in North America where Transit+ is launching.

In addition, rideRTC integrated the Transit Watch app developed by The Brass Star Group, which enables passengers to report non-emergency incidents such as transit-related offenses, suspicious activity and safety issues. These reports go directly to the RTC security’s contractor dispatch center, which will review the submissions and direct them for follow up to the appropriate agency, such as the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The app is not intended for emergencies; instead, users are urged to call 9-1-1 just as they would in any other emergency.

Both new features are free, and installation of Transit Watch is required to sync with the “Report Incidents” tab of rideRTC.

Since launching in 2016, rideRTC has been downloaded 200,000, allowing users to easily find their bus, plan their trip and buy transit passes conveniently from their smartphone.