Round of app-lause for Transperth

Transperth’s first mobile app has been a runaway success, netting a quarter of a million downloads by its first birthday.

The Transperth App, which allows passengers to plan their journey, countdown to when their train arrives, view disruption and fare information and get their SmartRider balance, was launched for Android users in mid-December 2013, and iOS in mid-January 2014.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the app was another way in which the State Government was making public transport an easier and more appealing option for West Australians.
 
“This app is about delivering accurate travel information to passengers as quickly and conveniently as possible,” Mr Nalder said.

“At the touch of a few icons, passengers can see their nearest stop, the next few services and check things like their SmartRider balance.

“Earlier this year, Transperth also updated its website to make it more user-friendly and to add in features like MyAccount (Transperth’s subscriber-based email advisory service) and SmartParker.”

The Minister said Transperth would continue to refine the app, with a variety of features under consideration including live Perth CAT times, push notifications in the event of real-time interruptions, MyAccount integration, SmartParker and bike locker access management, and improved feedback functionality so customers could report graffiti or damage.

“The success of this app in its first year of release is testament to its usefulness, but we all know embracing modern technology also means we need to be prepared to constantly innovate,” he said.

“This is why Transperth is continuing the roll-out of GPS tracking in its buses.  By the time the Perth Busport is complete in 2016, passengers will be able to see exactly where their next service is in relation to their stop.”

Fact File

• App is rated fifth in the Free Transport category for Android, and in the Free Navigation category for iOS.
• Two months after its release, 28% of train and 26% of bus passengers surveyed in Transperth’s Passenger Satisfaction Monitor were using the app and 90 to 93% of users found it useful.