Two years ago, HART launched the OneBusAway app that delivers real-time bus arrival information directly to a customer's smart phone, computer, or other Wi-Fi enabled device. Now the system is being further upgraded to include a touchtone feature allowing riders to get real-time information in their preferred way via the app, text or touchtone.
With the existing SMS text message feature, riders can have OneBusAway information sent directly to their phones by texting HART plus the three or four digit HART bus stop ID number to 41411. If the bus ID number is 4804, for example, the rider would text HART 4804 to 41411. Estimated arrival times for their bus would be sent to them via text within moments.
The new touchtone feature will allow access to OneBusAway from a landline or a basic cell phone that does not have a data plan. That means no data charges or extra fees from phone carriers for texting, and it is an ideal solution for anyone with a visual impairment.
As HART Chief Executive Officer Katharine Eagan explains, "This will truly enhance the rider's experience, because they'll have the answers they need right at their fingertips."
The GPS-powered system is accessed more than 200,000 times a month to save riders time, effort, and stress while reassuring them of when their bus will arrive.
