Summary

Executive Constantine has launched a free smartphone app that allows riders to plan trips across 11 public transit agencies. It is the latest benefit from the Exec’s initiative to create a more coordinated regional transportation system.

Story

 

Delivering on his initiative to better coordinate transportation services across the Puget Sound region, King County Executive and Sound Transit Chair Dow Constantine announced the launch of a free smartphone app that makes it easier for riders to plan trips with 11 local transit agencies.

Puget Sound Trip Planner app—available for Apple and Android mobile devices—allows riders to plan a trip that covers many transportation choices, including buses, rail, ferries, streetcars, and water taxis. It merges popular features available on existing trip planners and offers real-time predictions for bus arrivals.

“This customized app is a tangible example of our commitment to creating a more seamless, efficient, and convenient regional transportation system,” said Constantine. “Riders will see service improvements in the coming years as we continue to better coordinate transit operations across Puget Sound.”

In his dual role as the King County Executive and Chair of Sound Transit’s Board of Directors, Constantine last year instructed Metro and Sound Transit to increase joint planning and service integration, which is already delivering results. The regional trip planner app is part of a series of rider improvements cited in the Getting There Together report [PDF].

Transit riders will be able to: 

• Plan trips for King County Metro, Sound Transit, Washington State Ferries, Pierce Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Intercity Transit, King County Water Taxi, Snoqualmie Valley Transportation, Seattle Streetcar, and Monorail.
• View a map or list of nearby bus stops.
• See when the next bus is coming via a “Next departures” feature that shows real-time arrival information for Metro and Metro-operated Sound Transit routes.
• Customize trip plan preferences, including transportation mode, walking distance, and more, as well as use popular landmarks, addresses, or personal contacts to plan a trip.
• See a map that shows bus locations for the routes where estimated times are available.
• Access route schedules for all transit agencies in the region.
• Create point-to-point schedules within a route.
• Search by route or headway sign.

Other tech improvements ahead for transit riders

The Puget Sound Trip Planner is one product among a continuing effort to improve innovative and high-tech options for transit riders. Metro and Sound Transit are also developing a pilot project to test mobile-ticketing technology, which will allow riders to pay fares using their smartphones.

By mid-2016, the agencies will launch cellular service in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel and University Link tunnels that will allow riders to receive continuous cell service while riding buses and trains in the tunnels.

Learn more about Metro and Sound Transit integration, and scroll through the photo gallery below.