Handi Mobility Launches Next Bus for Translink
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Local mobile technology company, Handi Mobility, just launched Translink‘s new “Next Bus” service for the iPhone.
“Every second person coming to TransLink’s mobile site uses the iPhone, so we had to create an amazing experience for these early adopters. Our goal is to make commuting even better – by providing complete schedule information, alerts, GMail-style favourites and transit maps.
The next release will provide additional features – we’re going to add the Buzzer, rider feedback and location-based functionality.” [From Igor at Handi Mobility]
I’ve known of Handi Mobility since DemoCamp in May of 2007 and since then have regularly used their MyBus Facebook application.
NextBus is a free download for the iPhone that will be available in the iTunes app store at the end of the month and you can also access features by going to m.translink.ca from your mobile device (that URL also appears when you use Translink’s text service).
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I cant find it on the AppStore via the phone or their website. I was going to download it because you never know when this would come in handy when I’m downtown and not wanting to use the car!
Ok let me figure this out.. i might be having a slow moment 😉
So their m.translink.ca will recognize an iPhone being used and change their mobile page to suit. They have an Application for the iPhone but I guess it is not quite released to the appstore (since I can’t find it) and their press release just mentions that it will be released to the store.
But this really isn’t “NextBus” functionality, is it?In the states (and Toronto) Nextbus uses GPS data from each bus to tell you when the next bus will ACTUALLY arrive at your stop. So, for example, one of the features is that you can set an alarm so that you get a message when your bus is X number of stops away. What Translink is offering here is simply their schedule in iPhone format – better, but no NextBus.
This might very well be my first reason to consider owning an iPhone (to consider.. Not to actually purchase..)
Wow cool. Thanks for the heads up. I was hoping that the maps application would show the bus routes, but it didn’t. So this is awesome.
I will definitely be checking it out when it becomes available.
That’s awesome, and I’m so glad I read this. I’ve been looking for a good mobile developer in Vancouver. Thanks!
It’s going to be soo coool. Can’t wait for it to be released. I’m making do now by manually downloading the html files for the m.translink.ca site to my ipod touch for when I don’t have wireless access. Hopefully we’ll see the release by the end of October.
Thanks for the kind words guys. We’re working hard to get the location-aware application for the AppStore out asap!
[…] creators of website at Handi Mobility are soon launching a location-aware app via the App Store, according to Igor from Handi Mobility. Other included features will include the Buzzer and rider feedback options. […]
Still eagerly awaiting the release to the app store. Guess it takes a bit longer than the end of November :(.
Fine, but instead of providing next-bus arrival times only to those rich enough to own iPhones, how about installing electronic signs at bus stops and flashing this info to the AVERAGE bus-rider?
I know they do this on the B-lines, but what of all the other bus routes in the city?
I think they should aim to install these signs at every second or third bus stop, on every bus route,,, in the city.
To me that would be more useful than these elite toys for elite iPhoners.