From Deseret News archives:
UTA provides a new 'instant' touch for schedules
The Utah Transit Authority will release version 1.0 of its new transit schedule software for Palm-based portables, with the pocket PC version to follow in two weeks.
Officials with UTA say this is just the first of several high-tech ideas being thrown around at UTA to make transit travel more convenient.
"We try to be on the leading edge of things," said intelligent-systems manager Clair Fiet. Although the beta version of "UTA on the Go!" has been available for quite some time, version 1.0 will include route maps and update alerts when new route schedules are available for download. By choosing from a list of routes, users can click on a route name and get a list of all stop locations and times. A fare list is also included.
The software is available on the UTA Web site at www.utabus.com and takes up about 200 kilobytes of memory.
Currently UTA is outfitting all buses with global positioning systems, which will help track bus locations.
"If a bus is near a TRAX station, the driver will be sent a text alert, telling the bus to wait for passengers," Fiet said. "This is to help customers so when they get dropped off, they don't see the bus drive away."
Eventually, Fiet said UTA hopes to integrate GPS with their Web site so riders can get an estimated time of arrival on their bus or train.
TRAX trains are already outfitted with GPS devices, said UTA spokeswoman Marti Money. The system is tied in to the TRAX station message signs, which tell riders how many minutes until the next train.
Money said the idea of a UTA "smart card," which would allow passengers to simply walk on board a bus or train with sensors acknowledging payment, has been discussed, but the cost is pretty steep.
"We've studied smart-fare systems, and they cost over $7 million," Money said. "I mean, we want to improve technology but we have to keep in mind that we are spending tax dollars."
E-MAIL: gfattah@desnews.com
Comments
- A Tiger-like finish for Furyk 8:21 p.m.
- Vick triumphs in return to Atlanta 8:18 p.m.
- Raiders shock the Steelers 8:16 p.m.
- Saints move to 12-0 8:11 p.m.
- NFL notes: Stafford may sit 8:09 p.m.
- Small ball: Palmer leads Dixie St. 8:07 p.m.
- Violence erupts after Greek riots 8:03 p.m.
- Laureates call for gender balance 7:54 p.m.
- Aluminum cans may pose risk 6:59 p.m.
- Cougars going back to Vegas 6:43 p.m.
- Y., U. to learn bowl destinations
- BYU and Utah's bowl games
- BYU professor killed in crash
- The forgotten ship: USS Utah
- Branch president without a congregation
- Utahns want health care reform bills
- BYU basketball: Cougars crush Dons
- Kurt Bestor: Joy for the world
- Tiger's SUV, personal life are a wreck
- Jazz upset by Wolves
- Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
314 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
256 - Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
212 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
189 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
130 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
113 - Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan
105 - Harpring's NBA career is over
95 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
94
Trolley Square's annual Holiday Open House will feature visits with...
That does it — I'm having an affair! Thanks to Tiger Woods, David...
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
Big win? Didn't BYU beat this team by 30? Oh well, there's still the...
If some of you up there skipped going to the Golden Corral three times and...
A rather comical example. GB went on the View and was called out about a lie...
Caden Anderson is clearly the best reciever in 1a
2nd quarter with about 3 minutes to go before half time we have a twelve...
Thank you for your sacrifice & service to our country!!
This isnt even a bowl game anymore for the kitty cats. How can you be excited...
redeeems itself in San Diego
This is great for BYU fans if you think about it. It's the most affordable...
Don't criticize when your criticism only exposes your ignorance. Utah's...



You can be the first to comment on this story.