METRO Breaks New Ground with Technology Innovation

Press Release New Metro Going Places
 

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Release Date:
Dec. 13, 2017

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The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses on METRO’s network, METRORail's expanded system includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), Green Line (East End) and Purple Line (Southeast). METRO’s services also include: STAR VanpoolMETROLiftHOV/HOT lanesBike & Ride program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO services at ridemetro.org where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.

   

METRO Sets New Standard with Tech Innovation

Personalized Navigation Tool Introduced 

my stop app setup

METRO riders now have the luxury of a personal guide thanks to a new tool. Today 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.


Press Conference for My Stop

My Stop

The personalized navigation is particularly helpful in transit centers where there are multiple routes. It directs the user to the exact bus bay for pick up. 

"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.


Metro Trip App

Click photo to launch A step-by-step instructional video to learn how to use the app.


Riders who already have the METRO TRIP App need to update the application to have access to the enhancement. Those who do not have it can download the Ride METRO App  from the Google Play or Apple App Stores and  launch the METRO TRIP App.