Thursday, April 23, 2015 - SMART is proud to introduce its new RideSMARTBus mobile app – putting important SMART information at the rider’s fingertips.  Designed for iPhone and Android, the app features routes, schedules, service alerts and Bus Tracker - SMART’s realtime arrival information system.

“SMART is always looking for ways to improve service for our riders and the communities we serve,” said John C. Hertel, General Manager, “By using technology we help our riders get the information they need when they need it and help to reduce the wait time at their stop.  We believe the app helps our riders and we hope it encourages others who may not have used SMART in the past, to give us a try.”

Bus Tracker was launched in the fall of 2014 and is also a key feature on the app.     Bus Tracker stores the rider’s last trip and let’s them watch the bus as it travels along the route toward their stop and count’s down the time to arrival.  This gives the rider a sense of comfort in knowing exactly where the bus is located.

The SMART bus app can be synced with a rider’s personal MySMART profile giving them instant access to their favorite routes and stops.  Notifications of any service changes will be sent automatically for favorite routes, so rider’s can be assured they have all the information they need before they set out on their trip.  The app also offers the ability to look for other ways to ride SMART, with quick access to the Trip Planner feature for the best route to take.

The RideSMARTBus MOBILE APP can be downloaded from the App or Google play store or by visiting smartbus.org.

Check out this video on the new RideSMARTBus App!

Below is a specific list of all the RideSMARTBus App features:

Routes
Use this tool to get a listing of SMART routes and published times.

Tracker
This feature provides realtime bus arrival at a bus stop.

Favorites
By becoming a MySMART member, quickly access favorite bus routes and stops used most often.

Nearest Stops
See the SMART stop nearest an address, a street intersection, or a landmark (such as the Royal Oak Transit Center).

Trip Planner
What's the best trip on SMART? Enter the trip details to get detailed information about the best route options.

Alerts (If activated under Preferences)
When service changes or issues occur, it is nice to have a message waiting. When logged into MySMART, when a favorite route is detoured or bad weather hits, the RideSMARTBus app will send a notification.

Serving since 1967, SMART is southeast Michigan’s only regional public transportation provider, offering convenient, reliable and safe transportation for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. SMART’s Fixed Route and small bus services connect people to employment and educational institutions, medical appointments and shopping centers. SMART is supported by federal and state funding, local contributions through a transit property tax millage from opt-in communities and bus fares. For routes and fare information, visit smartbus.org.

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