April is Earth Month and what better way to go green and avoid the gas pumps than commuting without polluting. IndyGo routes and schedules are now available through Google Maps to make riding IndyGo a little easier and commuting more affordable. Riders can use the online Quick Trip Planner at IndyGo.net, or the maps app on most Smartphones to plan a transit trip around Indianapolis.
Currently more than 500 cities worldwide make their transit information available on Google Maps, and Indianapolis is now included in this number. Enter the origin and destination in the Quick Trip Planner from any IndyGo.net page and see the trip plan in Google Maps mapping service. Riders can also use the "Get Directions" function integrated at http://maps.GOOGLE.com and via Google Maps for mobile on multiple mobile devices, choose the transit icon as the mode of travel, and receive easy step-by-step directions for IndyGo transportation.
The same schedule data used for Google is also available online in the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) format for developers; these are the same files supplied to Google for integration with Google Maps. Third-party developers are now able to visit the IndyGo Developer Content Area at IndyGo.net to obtain GTFS files and check for updates.
Personalized trip plans contain estimations based on fixed timepoints. Other variables like traffic, construction, road conditions, weather and ridership will affect real-time arrivals, so it's always best to allow plenty of time and plan ahead.
IndyGo is committed to improving communications with customers. The IndyGo call center (635.3344) receives nearly 40,000 inquiries per month. IndyGo.net visits average 43,000 hits a month and visits are growing at an exponential rate. The next horizon in customer service will be the development of real-time bus arrivals. As funding is made available, IndyGo will explore real time apps, next bus texting and call center automations
"Now is a great time for residents to start using public transportation," says Mike Terry, president and CEO of IndyGo. "With climbing fuel prices, trip planning is easier with Google Maps."
In the meantime, updates are available through the IndyGo Customer Service Center at 635.3344 or you can follow us on Twitter @IndyGoBus to obtain up schedule updates on specific routes. Contact the Customer Service Center between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday. Riders can also obtain detour and service alerts updates through IndyGo.net or on the IndyGo Facebook page.
