Houston Metro Sets New Standard with Tech Innovation Personalized Navigation Tool Introduced
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County riders now have the luxury of a personal guide thanks to a new tool. The agency launched an updated METRO TRIP App with enhanced My Stop Technology. The first-of-its-kind application relies on Bluetooth technology to provide riders very specific directions. The app displays exactly where to catch the bus and vibrates when the user reaches the location.
"This ambitious application is truly a Metro original. Transit providers must embrace integrating and even pioneering technology to improve mobility. That is exactly what we have here today," said Metro Board Chair Carrin Patman.
"This type of forward-thinking innovation that improves the customer experience is exactly what we should all expect from Metro," said Metro President & CEO Tom Lambert.
In recent months, the agency installed more than 9200 Bluetooth beacons at bus stops for the project. Initially, the Authority set out to develop something to make the system more accessible for the visually impaired. However, as the project progressed, the development team realized it had a broader application.
"My Stop Technology removes barriers for everyone. It is for everyone. I expect this dynamic innovation will continue to evolve and result in additional customer-oriented enhancements," said Metro Board Member Lex Frieden.
Frieden worked closely with Metro staff and a customer focus group on the project.
