Help Us Test “OneBusAway”

PSTA has partnered with USF and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) to add our Real Time Bus Info to an app called OneBusAway. This app will give PSTA riders one more way to use the Real Time system (texting, auto-voice call, and website are still available).

We’re looking for riders to help us test the app — How does it work for you? Are you getting accurate Real Time info? How do you feel about the interface?

Want to help? Download the test app from one of these links, give it a try, and tell us what you think using the help/feedback function in the app.

• Android – https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.joulespersecond.seattlebusbot
• iPhone – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/onebusaway/id329380089
• Amazon Fire Phone – http://www.amazon.com/gp/mas/dl/android?p=com.joulespersecond.seattlebusbot
• Windows Phone – http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/onebusaway/30dcbcc4-e3d0-df11-9eae-00237de2db9e?type=phoneapp&id=30dcbcc4-e3d0-df11-9eae-00237de2db9e&source=onebusawaysite
• Windows 8 and 10 app – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/apps/onebusaway/9wzdncrdm5pc
• Web browser – http://tampabay.onebusaway.org/where/standard/

We look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you,

The PSTA Technology Team

Transit Safety and Security is Serious Business

Did you know that PSTA has a special division within its Transportation Department that’s dedicated to safety and security? Well, we do, and they’re a busy bunch of people! PSTA was recently notified that we scored 99% on a base assessment of our safety and security programs and procedures by the Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Administration, which would make us eligible for their Gold Standard for the second time! Only those agencies with the best ratings receive the Gold Standard Award.

PSTA is a very safe transit system, with several state-of-the-art tools in place to help us keep it that way. We know where every bus is at any given time thanks to GPS technology on board every vehicle. Our Operators are trained how to respond and communicate with first responders in the event of an emergency on board, or if they witness a crime or emergency along their routes. And, all buses have audio and video surveillance systems so we record everything that happens inside and outside the bus (PSTA Customer Service Centers have similar surveillance).  We’ve funded many of these improvements as well as cameras and security measures at our facilities with DHS grant funds.  PSTA continues to have a successful relationship with our Federal security partners.

Safety and security is very serious business, that’s why in 2010 we jumped at the chance to apply for additional grant funding from the Federal DHS. For Phase One of the 2010 project we wanted to encourage passengers, and the general public, to trust their instincts and report anything doesn’t look or feel right, or seems out of place. A special brochure that describes “suspicious activity” and “suspicious objects,” and how to report them, was distributed on board PSTA’s fleet of vehicles and at several large-crowd events in Pinellas. A second component of Phase One was the development of a first responder training module for local emergency responders and law enforcement use.

When we applied for Phase One funding, we also asked DHS for future consideration of a Phase Two to implement a mass media campaign to further promote public awareness of security issues related to public transportation.

Because a safe and secure transit system means more than combating terrorism and security measures, we decided to take a more people-centered approach to the mass media campaign. DHS officials told PSTA they favor this people-centered approach with all their supported outreach campaigns. The TV ads point out the safety and security features of our fleet such as the Real Time Bus Information system, which riders can use to find out exactly what time the bus is coming, and therefore minimize wait time at a bus stop. Another in the series talks about how PSTA’s Bus Operators are professionally trained and that the system has received national security awards. The final ad in the series talks about PSTA’s fleet of hybrid buses and how commuting on these vehicles helps protect the environment, as well as providing a safe and secure ride to work. The radio, billboard, and bus ads further enforce these messages.

We wanted people to know that PSTA is a safe and secure mode of transportation, and that PSTA is constantly striving to make improvements. That’s why in the last few seconds of the TV ad, viewers are invited to visit not just PSTA.net, which provides information about how to ride our services, but also GreenlightPinellas.com which is the repository for all info about our plans to improve our services

It is important to recognize that the message in the series of ads is public awareness of security issues related to public transportation. Improvements to frequency and service that would come with the Greenlight Pinellas Plan will reduce wait times, thereby making the system even safer. So, pointing people to both the website where we talk about the future vision of transit, and the PSTA website where they can see our current system, just makes sense. It’s another example of how PSTA leads the way in providing safe and secure transit options while serving our community with total transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Press Release: Celebrate Earth Day by Riding PSTA!

For immediate release: April 19, 2013

Who: Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA)
What: Offering easy, environmentally-friendly transportation
When: Earth day along with the other 364 days a year
Where: Throughout Pinellas County and to Tampa
Why: To provide transportation options, cut demand for oil and to protect the environment.

Monday, April 22, 2013 is Earth Day and it’s never been easier to dump your car for the day and ride PSTA. Here’s how:

First, you’ll want to plan your trip. For that you can use the Google Trip planner located on PSTA’s home page at www.psta.net or you can simply call the PSTA InfoLine at (727) 540-1900* to speak with a live Customer Service Representative. They’ll be happy to help you plan your trip and answer any questions you may have, such as discount fare information. It only costs $2.00 to ride one way (full fare) or $4.50 to ride all day, plus you can buy your daily bus pass right on the bus, though exact change is required.

Then, when you’re ready to travel, you can call, text, logon or use a smartphone to check exactly when your bus will arrive at your stop with PSTA’s new Real Time Bus Information System.  Current riders will tell you that it’s easier than you think to start enjoying the luxury of letting someone else navigate the traffic tangle that comes with living in Florida’s most densely populated county.

Still not sure? Then, check out PSTA’s “how to” videos on the agency’s “How to Ride” page: www.psta.net/howtoride.php. There you’ll find videos showing you how to pay your fare, how to ride if you use a wheelchair or mobility aid, how to use the Express Routes to Tampa and how to bring your bicycle with you when you ride.

Suncoast Beach Trolley in front of the Hurricane Restaurant. Circa 2001.

If you have the day-off for Earth Day, why not try two of PSTA’s most popular routes serving Pinellas County’s award winning beaches? You can find a preview video and schedule for the Central Avenue Trolley (a one-seat ride from the Pier to Pass-a-Grille) on the agency’s Central Avenue Trolley webpage: http://www.psta.net/CAT.php.  Plus, there’s a similar video and timetable for the Suncoast Beach Trolley℠ on the Suncoast Beach Trolley℠ page at http://www.psta.net/beachtrolley.php.

* The PSTA InfoLine is open Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 8 PM, Saturday from 7 AM to 8 PM, Sundays and Holidays from 8 AM to 4:30 P.M.

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It’s Official: Real Time is a Hit!

For those of you already using it, this news will come as no surprise. We’ve been watching the usage level go higher and higher over the past year since we implemented our state-of-the-art Real Time Bus Information system, and I’m pleased to report that it’s a hit!

After we started installing the eye-catching Real Time Bus Info signs at bus stops last April, we had 1945 people text in for their next bus details the first month. Not too shabby considering we were just getting started. Can you guess how many texts we sent out last month? I’ll tell you: 86,912! In March you also called in and used the automated phone system (IVR, Interactive Voice Response) 80,420 times, and visited RidePSTA.net 30,945 times. Here’s a chart that shows just how awesome the response to this system has been:

Here are some more fun stats…

• Total number of texts sent: 474,875
• Total number of IVR calls: 361,760
• Total number of visits to RidePSTA.net: 172,206
• Total number of times the QR code on the Real Time sign has been accessed: 52,218

So, thank you! Thanks for helping us test the system before we launched. Thanks for using the system every day. Thanks for using technology to make your transit experience more enjoyable. And, thank you for riding! We appreciate you, and your support!

Your Editor,
Cyndi Raskin-Schmitt

Real Time is Really Here!

We introduced you to our new Real Time system a few months ago while we were in test mode and posted an update on the progress. We’re pleased to tell you that Real Time Bus Information is really here now! The system works with GPS technology and allows PSTA to pinpoint each vehicle’s exact location at all times. This means we can provide you with reliable, real-time departure information when your bus is up to 30 minutes away. There are lots of ways to access the system (some of which we’ve not told you about here in the blog before) and some important things to be aware of as you begin:

Stop#

Every bus stop in PSTA’s system has a unique bus stop number. To interact with the Real Time system, you’ll need to know that bus stop number. It’s located on a sticker at the bottom of the Real Time sign installed at your bus stop (sign installation is ongoing – we have 5000+ stops, so it’ll take us a little while to get them all put up). You can also find out your stop number by looking it up on the RidePSTA.net website (see Visit the Website section below).

*Tip*
Once you find your bus stop number, keep a list of favorite stops and their stop numbers handy.

Call the InfoLine

Using a technology called “Interactive Voice Response” or IVR, our Real Time system is able to give you automated departure times by phone. Just call the InfoLine at (727) 540-1900, press 1 for Real Time, and choose your language. You can use your phone’s keypad or just speak your choices out loud. Enter your stop number and the system will tell you when the next few buses will serve your stop during the next 30 minutes. NOTE: We are still implementing the IVR portion of Real Time Bus Info, so sometimes the system might tell you “Real Time info is not available.” Please stick with us while we iron out the wrinkles in this one piece of the larger Real Time pie!

*Tip*
After you’re in the automated system you don’t have to wait to hear prompts:
Say English or press 1
or
Say Spanish or press 2
then
Press 2 to use your phone’s keypad
or
Say “yes” or press 1 to use the speech recognition
then
Enter your bus stop number

 *Tip*
If you’re using an Android phone and the system has trouble understanding you in voice-recognition mode go into your phone’s sound settings and turn off “audible touch tones.”

Visit the Website

If you’re at a bus stop and have a Smart Phone, you can use a barcode scanner app to scan the QR code on the Real Time sign, or just type in www.RidePSTA.net from your browser. Type in your stop number and click “Find.” The system will show you when the next several buses will serve that stop. If you don’t know your stop number, choose your route, direction, and stop description in the drop down boxes. The system will show you the next several buses that will serve the stop.

*Tip*
Searching for your stop number? After you use the drop down boxes to locate the stop the system will fill in the bus stop number for you.

Automatic Email and Text Alerts

While you’re on RidePSTA.net you can also create an account and set up alerts. Each alert you set up will send you next bus information based upon the specific criteria you input. For example, if you want to see the departure times for the stop outside your work every weekday at 4:00 p.m., the system will automatically send it every day at 4:00 p.m. Just select your stop, the time you want the alert to arrive, and check if you want it to come via email and/or text message (your phone’s standard text and data charges may apply). You can go in any time to add, delete, or edit your alerts.

Text Messaging

You can also use your cell phone to get instant bus departure info. Type 41411 in the “to” box of a new text message, then put in PSTA, a space, and your stop number (like this: PSTA 3663). Send the text message and you’ll get one back almost instantly with the next buses serving that stop (your phone’s standard text and data charges may apply).

*Tip*
Reply with “R” to get a new text with updated info for that stop. Great if you use the same few stops every day!

Signs and Announcements

Many of PSTA’s busiest transfer locations have electronic signs showing upcoming departure info. You’ll find them at Grand Central Station, Williams Park, Park Street Terminal, Gateway Mall, Tyrone Square Mall, Shoppes at Park Place, and Westfield Countryside Mall. Usually they’ll tell you when the next few buses are due at the transfer center, though the signs at Grand Central are platform specific.

Once you’re on board, look for new electronic signs at the front of the bus that will announce upcoming intersections. The system will also make audio announcements with the same information.

Information the “Old Fashioned” Way

PSTA is very excited to be bringing this state-of-the-art technology to our transit system. We know it will be very helpful to our passengers and encourage you to give it a try. But, we’re also still here for you if you prefer to get your bus information the old fashioned way: our professional Customer Service Representatives will answer the InfoLine when you call and press O!

However you choose to get your information, we’re glad to have you aboard!

Your Editor,
Cyndi Raskin-Schmitt

Hey Developers, we have open data!

As part of PSTA’s exciting new Real Time Bus Information system, we’ve decided to make our data “open.” That means software and app developers can access our Real Time data and use it in apps that will help others get the information they need or want about PSTA bus service.

We won’t tell anyone what to develop or how to do it, but we do have a whole section of our website dedicated to Developers which includes some helpful tips. The information provided through data feeds includes static schedule and service data using an open standard, and APIs that can get you up-to-the-minute information from RidePSTA.net (PSTA Real Time Bus Information).

We know there’s a demand for this type of app, and we’re really hoping that there are millions of developers out there who will want to create some for PSTA (yes, “millions of developers” is unrealistic, but surely there are a few, right?!).

So, hop to it! We’re excited to see what you come up with!

Your Editor,
Cyndi Raskin-Schmitt

Real Time Bus Info System – Update

Our Real Time Bus Info System is almost finished! Please read “It’s time to get real” if you aren’t familiar with this exciting new project.

Thank you so much to all of you who have tried out our website while it has been in test mode. We’ve gotten some great feedback and really appreciate your input.

Here are a few updates we’d like to share:

1. The special equipment for the Real Time Bus Info system has now been installed on all of the regular transit buses and trolleys that serve our Pinellas routes. The coach-style buses that run Routes 100X and 300X are still being wired up and we hope they’ll be done shortly.

2. The email and text alerts are working! Please sign yourself up for some alerts and try it out.

3. Our project vendor has assured us that we’ll be getting a software update at the end of the month that will add the ability for you to type in a specific Bus Stop #.

4. Once the Bus Stop # feature is active we intend to start installing the Real Time Bus Info signs below our new bus stop signs. The signs will explain all the ways to access Real Time Info, including text messaging (you’ll send a text with PSTA followed by your bus stop number to a special phone number and the system will text you back with a list of the next few buses serving that stop!).

We love feedback, so please share your thoughts, comments, kudos, whatever, by commenting on this post or by sending email to ride@psta.net.

Your Editor,
Cyndi Raskin-Schmitt

p.s. In case you don’t have the online site bookmarked yet, click here to try it out!

It’s Time to Get Real

You may have heard stops being automatically announced on your bus, or if you travel through the Shoppes at Park Place transfer center you may have seen the automated message signs. These are part of our brand new, state-of-the art Real Time Bus Info project that we’re gearing up for launch in the next couple of months. This system will tell you exactly when the next bus will be at your bus stop. You’ll be able to access the info at major transfer centers, online, and with handheld devices (i.e. cell phones and smart phones). Each bus stop will have a new sign installed below the bus stop sign that explains where to access the system, and will give you the bus stop ID number that is unique to that stop.

We’ve got the online site up and running in test mode and invite you to check it out! Click on “Estimated Arrivals” then enter your route, direction, and bus stop location; the system will automatically show you the next few buses scheduled for arrival. Click the “Map” button from that page to see your bus and its route on a map. Or, you can start from the “Bus Location Map” side and choose your route and/or stops after clicking the appropriate button on the top right side of the map.

Before you start clicking please remember that this site is in test mode. All the stops are not yet listed and all the buses don’t have the GPS equipment yet that makes this system work so all routes won’t show up. Routes 19, 52, and 74 were in our pilot program, so you should almost always get good info if you select one of those routes. Also, we’re in the process of adding a field where you can type in that unique bus stop number. You can sign up for email and text alerts, but since those modules are not activated, they won’t work yet. Basically, we encourage you to click around, but remember that we’re in test mode.

So, you are cordially invited to click HERE and check out the test mode of the online Real Time Bus Info. Play around with it, try it out and let us know what you think! Please share your feedback either by commenting on this post, or by sending email to ride@psta.net.

 Your Editor,
Cyndi Raskin-Schmitt

p.s. Did I mention that it’s just in test mode? I did? Great!