PennDOT and rabbittransit on Aug. 5 announced that the innovative “FindMyRidePa” program that makes it easier for public transit users to access the system is being expanded to six additional counties.
With “FindMyRidePA,” users can see detailed routes from whatever points they enter into the system, including bus schedules and walking routes. Users can print out the information in an easy-to-follow format. From its pilot location in York, FindMyRidePa is now being expanded to Adams, Cumberland, Cambria, Dauphin, Franklin and Lebanon counties.
“We are excited to have developed this program that will assist transit users in easily charting routes for medical appointments, shopping and other personal activities,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary Toby Fauver. “This program taps the benefits of technology to make finding a ride on transit as easy as clicking on a computer or mobile device.”
Beginning in August 2004, PennDOT worked with rabbittransit of York on deploying a pilot system in the city. The goal was to develop a unified trip planning and integrated booking or one click concept. The original software proved to be too complex and refinements were made based on input from system users.
Riders can access the system through mobile devices accessing a website, or kiosks set up at certain locations, such as Veteran’s Centers. The expanded area has 1.4 million residents and more than 120,000 veterans and is served by five fixed route transit system and paratransit services and six county shared-ride programs.
“York is thrilled to be a part of the regional deployment of FindMyRidePA, which truly showcases the connection between transit agencies and how riders can expand their mobility options, said Rich Farr, rabbittransit executive director. “Rabbittransit was honored to serve as the pilot site for this project and is looking forward to this exciting next phase.”
Fauver and Farr demonstrated the system at an event today at the York County Human Services building in York.
The program was started through a grant from the Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative and administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
“FindMyRidePa is a great mobility tool for our veterans,” said Brig. Gen. Jerry Beck Jr., deputy adjutant general for veterans affairs with the Pa. Department
of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Now they don’t have to worry about how to get from their home to a VA facility for an appointment because this user-friendly system shows them what transportation is available, how long it will take and how much it will cost.”
The new deployment will bring the route planning service to Capital Area Transit, CamTran/CamTran+,Lebanon Transit and Raider Regional Transit and their associated ADA paratransit services and shared ride systems. Looking ahead, one goal of FindMyRidePa is to add trip information on regional buses, Amtrak and taxi services.
