Routes to New Networks

A Guide to Social Media for the Public Transportation Industry

Mobile Engines

Mobile Web

Mobile Web is the term used when the Internet is accessed via a cell phone, PDA or other device with Internet capabilities (such as the Sony PSP™ or the Apple iPod Touch™). With the introduction of new phones and increasing technological capabilities, mobile web use in the U.S. has grown to over 5 million users in 2008. Because of this extensive growth, it is advantageous to transit agencies and commuter services organizations to utilize mobile web and its applications to reach consumers. Transit operations are always in real time. Mobile web users can always communicate in real time. get the picture?

Key Terms:

Top Transit Usage

Mobile Web

Provide riders with instantaneous up-to-date information on route times, delays, or changes.

Smartphone - A cell phone that includes advanced features. Though there are no set standards, most smartphones include: an operating system, Internet browsing capabilities, a camera, and the ability to send and receive email.

3G - A set of standards for high-speed wireless communication. This is the current standard for speed and security of wireless networks and is available in most areas.

Application (App) - The software programs that can be uploaded onto smartphones in order to run programs.

Blackberry™ - The Blackberry line of smartphones is the most popular line today. These phones are typically viewed as the choice for business professionals. They are largely focused on increasing ease of communication.

iPhone™ - The iPhone line of smartphones is the second most popular today. They include a database of Apps accessible from iTunes™, which allows users to download third-party programs onto their iPhone.

Examples

Flight Stats™

Me2Bus™

Me2Sub™

iTrans™

NYC Transit™

CleverCommute®

Benefits

  • Increased accessibility of route information
  • Ability to customize for the mobile experience – add only content important to users on the move
  • Ability to use real-time GPS information to help users find nearby routes
  • Complete control of information displayed

Drawbacks

  • Small screen size
  • Can be difficult to navigate
  • Regular web pages do not display well on all mobile browsers


Download Adobe Acrobat

Read more: Download the entire report as a PDF
(2.9 MB PDF
Nov 23, 2009.)