For those jonesing for transit directions on Apple’s iOS platform and not too keen on Google’s full-featured stand-alone Maps app, Samuel Vermette’s Transit app, now available for free, can help full the void. With the 2.0 release out this week, the app features real-time data, offline access and travel packs for those who venture outside the cozy confines of New York. It also comes with a context-aware feature that remembers recent travel routes.
Vermette approached me a few weeks ago after I ran my thoughts on the ideal transit app, and his latest release covers my initial request for real-time tracking better than any I’ve seen. It pulls countdown clock data from the MTA’s subway API and bus tracking from the BusTime API. He informs me that they plan to add above-ground entrance location data and real-time service changes in future releases.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been using the beta version of the app, and the 2.0.1 release is now far more stable. What I like about this app is that it works. It’s intuitive to use, very graphical and definitely worth a spin. An Android version is in the works as well.
5 comments
I’m enjoying this app too so far, because it combines the all the agencies (Bus, NYC Subway, LIRR, MNR, etc). I haven’t however used the app to it’s fullest potential. I still use the NextStop app because it tells you approximately what time you’ll arrive at your destination. Only drawback for NextStop: it’s only for the NYC subway.
Wait, how does the app get real time info from the 7 or letter lines (L excepting)? Schedule information isnt that useful other than to get a grasp on frequency of service.
I’ve used B-division schedule data via Next Train and been pleasantly surprised at how useful it’s been. Granted, I started with low expectations. But yes, trains were generally on schedule within a minute or two of the times listed.
This looks like a great app. It would be great if it would tell me whether to take the ferry or the bus to Red Hook.
thanks a lot for your article . it really healped me . will stay tume for more 🙂 .