STO launches real-time bus tracking with Transit app

The Transit app has been made available for Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) riders, meaning they can now track their bus in real time on their smartphones.

The new real-time bus tracking system allows riders to see accurate countdowns and track their bus location on a map, receiving notifications of service changes.

“The availability of real stop times in the Transit app is excellent news for the STO’s clientele. It will now be easier to plan trips, because riders will know when the bus is arriving at their stop, even in bad weather or if there are delays in the system,” said STO Chairwoman, Myriam Nadeau.

Upon launching the app, STO riders can see nearby transit options and departure times in big text and bright colours, including connections to OC Transpo, Communauto, VRTUCAR, HOPR bike-share and Uber. Users can easily navigate the region with accurate real-time tracking, trip planning and step-by-step navigation.

By tapping GO, Transit users receive updates telling them when to leave to catch the bus and when their stop is approaching. They also help improve the real-time data available to other STO riders by anonymously contributing to bus location information.

Within the partnership, Transit will provide the STO with technical support and aggregate usage information. In exchange, Transit will be marketed as the STO’s endorsed app via its website and social media, as well as at bus stops and on-board vehicles throughout the National Capital Region.

“We are proud to work with Transit, a Quebec-based company, and are eager to see more riders include real time in their routine in order to improve their rider experience on buses,” said STO General Manager, Marc Rousseau.

By endorsing Transit as its official app, STO joins dozens of other agencies partnering with Transit, including Montreal’s STM, Boston’s MBTA, Baltimore’s MDOT MTA, and Silicon Valley’s VTA.

“Partnering with a single app that prioritises transit makes it clear to riders where they can go for information,” said Sam Vermette, CEO of Transit. “We’re excited to work with the STO and to see more people using Transit as part of their daily routine.”

Transit is available to download for both iPhone and Android phones.