As transportation network companies like Uber and Bridj make it easier for some to opt out of the public transit system, a new app would help transit agencies offer more user-centric services.
Adele Peters shares news of the TransLoc app, a new startup that aims to provide the technology platform to enable public transit to compete with transportation network companies.
Peters describes TransLoc as "an app to help agencies quickly identify where riders are actually traveling so cities can start to offer services tailored to those needs." The app works by following the route of users as they travel around town. "That data builds maps that agencies can use to make routes more efficient, and eventually offer on-demand services."
Doug Kauffman, CEO of TransLoc, is quoted describing the potential benefit of the technology: "It would help agencies provide a transit service that is truly rider-centric: Vehicles coming to you, on your schedule, taking your location and destination into consideration…"
Kaufman believes that it's possible for all transit agencies to offer on-demand services, and, in fact, Helsinki is already experimenting with similar technology.
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