Getting transit information in the Santa Ynez Valley just became easier. Anyone with internet access or a smartphone can now access Santa Ynez Valley Transit (SYVT) routes and schedules, and helpful trip planning features thanks to SYVT’s partnership with Google Transit.
Google Transit, a feature of Google Maps, is a public transit trip planning tool that combines the latest SYVT schedule and route information with the power of Google Maps. It is a free service that literally puts transit information at your fingertips.
Google Transit is available by downloading the free Google Maps mobile application or by going to www.google.com/maps. To utilize the Trip Planner from the mobile app, simply select Public Transit from the drop-down menu, then enter your destination location. Then touch the public transit icon, and you’ll see transit options from your current location. Use the options feature to change the date and time of your trip. The Trip Planner will display available travel options, including the location of the nearest bus stop, which route to take, how to get from the bus stop to your final destination, total walking time and distance, and total trip time. The website features a slightly different user interface but provides the same useful trip planning information.
“We are very excited to be partnering with Google Transit to provide this useful trip planning tool," noted Matt van der Linden, public works director for the city of Solvang. “It places transit information directly in the hands of current customers and potential riders, making each transit trip that much more convenient. We have a great opportunity to improve local connectivity through technology such as Google Transit.”
