The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) announces the launch of an "App Challenge." MTD's App Challenge is issued to software developers to encourage the creation of applications for smart phones, desktops, and other media using the Application Programming Interface (API) V2.0 recently released. Applications can make it easier for MTD riders to get important information about bus service including next bus departure times, bus stop location, trip planning, and much more. Developers may creatively harness MTD's API and make tools that public transportation users can use every day to make their journey easier.
Developers who enter MTD's App Challenge have the opportunity to win $1,000. This first place award is accompanied by a second place $600 prize and a $200 third place prize. MTD judges will consider the app's functionality, usability, design/aesthetics and innovation. Applications can be created for any platform and any operating system. The applications must use V2.0 of the MTD API and must be offered free to customers for at least six months. Developers who have an app based on V1.0 of the API need to upgrade to V2.0 to submit their app for the challenge.
The MTD App Challenge ends Feb. 20, 2012 and winners will be announced in March. Students can use their winter break productively to get started on a fantastic app for bus riders to use! For details about the App Challenge or to ask questions, visit the App Challenge on the Developer Resources pages of the MTD website.
