Capital Metro’s innovative use of technology and the creation of unique maps and other materials that make riding even easier, have resulted in several recent award wins and other high-profile acknowledgments for the agency.
Computerworld magazine recently named Joe Iannello, Capital Metro vice president and chief information officer, a 2016 Computerworld Premier 100 Technology Leader. Each year, 100 leaders from technology and business are recognized for their effective strategic thinking and use of technology to digitally transform their businesses.
Under Iannello’s leadership, Capital Metro developed a mobile ticketing app that lets riders buy and use passes, plan trips and get real-time information, all on a smartphone. The app, one of the first of its kind in the country, was introduced during the launch of MetroRapid service in late Jan. 2014, and since then, has seen nearly 200,000 downloads and more than $2.8 million in pass sales.
The CapMetro App also received noteworthy recognition recently in Ziptopia’s “Genius Public Transportation Innovations for Happier Commutes,” and was selected for an Austin Chronicle Best of Austin Critics’ Picks award, named the “Best Sweat-Free Way to Catch the Bus” for helping riders avoid long waits in extreme weather through access to next-bus information.
In addition to technology-focused awards, three Capital Metro marketing pieces garnered national awards recently, including first place honors from the American Public Transportation Association for the agency’s late-night services map and the unique “The Making of Gone With The Wind” transit passes that were designed to coincide with the traveling exhibit at the Harry Ransom Center in 2014. Capital Metro’s annual report, “A Driving Force in Central Texas,” was honored by Graphic Design USA with a Best Print Design award.
“Capital Metro strives to ensure that our riders experience transit in easy, convenient and enjoyable ways,” said Capital Metro President/CEO Linda Watson. “This mantra guides the development of our new technologies and services, and how we creatively communicate those services to our riders. I’m pleased that Capital Metro’s strategic, customer-facing innovations have been recognized by its peers and others.”
