In the last year, Laketran has launched a fleet of customer service tools to help users navigate the local public transit system and access their door-to-door Dial-a-Ride service. Next in line is a new Rider Tools mobile app now available for Android and iPhone users.
“Everyone wants information in their palm of the hand. In the last year we have launched a new website, integrated with Google Transit, and implemented a program to where you can find out when the bus will arrive at your bus stop with a simple text message,” explained Julia Schick, director of communications and marketing for Laketran. “The new app is your one stop shopping for all of these tools and includes a click-to-call option for Dial-a-Ride customers.”
By launching the free app, which pulls GPS-enabled real-time schedule data, riders can plan a trip and get up-to-the-minute arrival times for bus stops on Local Routes and Park-n-Ride routes in Cleveland, and track their bus location. The real-time data integrated with Google maps data helps riders view available public transit options based on current location, plan a future trip and even bookmark their favorite routes.
Laketran’s Rider Tools mobile app features include:
- An interactive map that displays all 715 Laketran bus stops and Park-and-Ride locations
- Real-time bus tracking
- GPS and filters to find the best public transit options based on rider’s current location
- Trip planning
- Directions on how get real-time departures by text messaging
- Ability to favorite routes and email your itinerary
- Laketran timetables
- Laketran fares including discount fare options
- Click-to-call for direct calling to Dial-a-Ride reservations
“Laketran is dedicated to making transit easy and accessible. Riders who use the bus daily to those exploring public transportation for the first time will find the app very useful,” said Brian Falkowski, board president of Laketran. “Our new technology helps us better serve our existing riders and attract new by simplifying the process to learn the bus schedule. We encourage everyone to download it and give it a try.”
Laketran partnered with Willoughby-based Blackbird Interactive to design the new mobile app.