MDOT MTA launches free premium transit app

Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) has made Transit Royale, a premium service available on the Transit app, free for all customers. The Transit app is a third-party mobile app that uses real-time GPS tracking to allow passengers to know the exact location of their vehicle and its arrival time. Transit passengers will now be able to use additional Transit Royale features free of charge, including access to upcoming departures for all public transit lines, even days and weeks in the future, route maps, and vehicle tracking.

“We’re always looking for new ways to improve the passenger experience and make our system even easier to use,” said MTA Administrator Holly Arnold. “By making Transit Royale free, we’re giving our riders access to the best tools and features available. This is just one example of our commitment to innovation and excellence in public transportation.”

Transit app users received a message when they opened the app on August 20 informing them of a free update that will give them immediate access to a number of improved features, including:

• Access upcoming departures, route maps, and vehicle tracking for all public transit lines, not just those near you.
• More departure times, with a full timetable for each line, even several days and weeks in advance.
• Transit’s GO feature guides users throughout their journey, giving them the ability to personalize emoticons and nicknames.
• Custom themes allow you to personalize your app icon and color scheme.
• More icons to choose from, allowing you to mark your favorite places.

MDOT MTA’s partnership with the Transit app allows riders to change the app’s icon and theme to match the agency’s colors, giving users a unique, ad-free, local mobile app experience.

In addition to the improvements offered by Transit Royale, the agency is taking other steps to improve the passenger experience, including:

• Installing a second antenna on each bus increases GPS signal redundancy and enables more frequent reporting, which helps reduce the occurrence of “ghost” buses and allows for more accurate arrival predictions.
• Improved smooth orientation in metro stations for metro users with a new in-app navigation system that includes turn-by-turn directions for elevators, escalators and platforms.
• Implementing pilot QR code signage at select bus stops in downtown Baltimore, Maryland, allowing passengers to scan the schedule and quickly check bus arrivals online without having to use an app.