3/16/2010
ITD launches new online source for Idaho bus riders
BOISE - Idaho bus riders have a new online source for real-time transit information with the launch this week of 511 Transit - a new enhancement to the state's 511 Traveler's Services System, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The new 511 Transit system, found at 511.idaho.gov, begins with online schedule and route information for Citylink (Kootenai and Benewah counties), START Bus (Teton County), Pocatello Regional Transit and Northwestern Trailways. During coming months, the system will expand with the addition of seven other transit providers, including those in southwest Idaho.
"The 511 Traveler's Services for transit systems is a huge step toward improving and coordinating transportation options across Idaho," said Randy Kyrias, ITD public transportation administrator.
Bus riders will enjoy benefits of a dedicated online site for bus transit systems, including:
- Tracking transit activity, including bus locations, system delays and current schedules through an interactive Web interface.
- Maintaining access to transit system information like bus routes and stops.
- Accessing regular updates to notifications of route changes and bus delays.
"We are working closely with providers and local stakeholders across the state to provide more seamless and efficient travel options," Kyrias said. "This system is the result of that collaboration."
Coordination at the community level helped bring the 511 Transit system online, he explained. Development costs were spread across all participating communities, dramatically reducing the direct costs to participating providers.
"Individual providers could not have incurred the direct costs alone," Kyrias said. "By sharing the costs, providers and bus riders around the state are able to enjoy the benefits at the same time groundwork is laid for development of future transit-related tools and resources."
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Editors' note:
Following are provider comments and additional background information about transit
providers mentioned.
Provider Comments:
Dave Hunt, Pocatello
Regional Transit
"Pocatello Regional Transit is excited to be part of the statewide 511 Transit information system. In the seven southeast Idaho counties we serve, providing user-friendly, current information about mobility resources has always been a challenge. Web-based and other technologies now make it possible to provide vital information about mobility options to a broad cross-section of people. The efforts of the Idaho Transportation Department to centralize and update these resources are timely and commendable. We look forward to partnering with other providers to offer coordinated mobility options to persons traveling within or through the region."
Bill Brannan, Northwestern Trailways
"ITD has helped us
meet the growing demand of our communities seeking transportation information
from online sources. The new 511 Transit system will allow our customers to
easily find information important to their daily travel."
Michael Wackerly, START
Bus
"START Bus is looking forward to being a part of the new 511 system for transit in Idaho. START Bus provides transit service for residents in the Driggs and Victor area who need to get to and from Jackson, Wyoming. The 511 Transit system will help these riders stay informed about weather conditions on Teton Pass and when bad weather will cause delays or revisions in the START Bus schedule or route."
Andrew Murphy, Citylink
Transit
"As most of us know, we are all living in an increasingly digital world. While printed brochures and bus schedules will still remain an important way to communicate information, more and more people are embracing digital technology in their everyday life. Bus passengers are no different, and the new 511 Transit system will make it much easier for public transit users to find accurate scheduling information in a timely manner - improving the experience for our customers."
Participating Provider Information:
START Bus: A Wyoming-based transit provider that is currently providing service
from Driggs, Idaho, to Jackson, Wyoming. www.startbus.com
Citylink: As an extension of the Coeur d'Alene Casino, Citylink serves the
greater Coeur d'Alene area of about 35,0000 people with a deviated fixed-route
program and is currently building a demand/response service. www.idahocitylink.com
Northwestern
Trailways: Northwestern Trailways operates both
scheduled and charter bus service connecting Boise with Spokane, Seattle and
numerous points in between.
www.northwesterntrailways.com
Pocatello Regional Transit: PRT serves the greater Pocatello area with both fixed and demand response service. PRT provides fixed-route service to Pocatello and its population of approximately 60,000. It provides comparable demand response service in Pocatello and rural service to another 63,000 people in the surrounding rural areas of Bannock, Bingham, Caribou and Franklin counties. www.pocatellotransit.com