Champaign-Urbana MTD makes two technology improvements

The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) has made improvements to two technologies within the agency.

The first is an update to trip planning tools. The agency worked with Google to integrate its robust real-time data with Google’s travel planner (with updates sent every 30-60 seconds). Google has also started including MTD’s reroute alerts into its transit itineraries.

Google uses MTD’s shared vehicle positions and runs them through its algorithm to calculate departure estimates in Google Maps. However, while Google and MTD estimates are both based on the same underlying vehicle location data, Google uses different calculations in its predictions. This means there could be minor discrepancies between Google and MTD’s official estimates listed on MTD platforms (MTD.org, kiosks, the SMS service, etc.). MTD tested these estimates and generally found Google to be within a minute or two of the agency’s predictions.   

MTD also began scheduling trips for SafeRides service using the new MTD Connect app, powered by Via, on Dec. 19. The old MTD connect app (by Routematch) no longer functions and should be removed from rider’s devices.

The new app can be downloaded at thrive.mtd.org/MTDconnect. The agency is in the process of removing the old app from the app store, but it is currently still listed.

SafeRides does not travel outside of the SafeRides boundaries, duplicate fixed-route bus service already provided by MTD, accept more than three people per pick-up location, provide service to and from bars or provide emergency transportation to medical facilities.