Bus riders in Hillsborough County have a new, smart phone feature that can help them find the most efficient route.
It’s a Trip Planner that gives the rider three optional bus routes to get to their destination. All you have to do is type in your current location, your destination and time you want to arrive.
The Trip Planner, unveiled this week, was added to the One-Bus-Away smart-phone App launched three years ago by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART).
Sandra Morrison, a spokeswoman for HART, said their goal is to use technology to improve customer service.
“People can still purchase our maps and schedule books, but you know, they have to take it out and look and see when their bus is arriving or what it says in the schedule book,” Morrison said. “This is just an easier option. You know, you have it on your phone.”
HART workers will be at the downtown Marion Transit Center and the University Transit Center in the morning and afternoon Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to show riders how to use the app.
Since adopting the One-Bus-Away app, HART said it is averaging 800,000 hits per weekday.
