Connections to Saskatoon Transit made easy - Transit+ lets users combine modes to get there faster
Transit, Saskatoon Transit’s endorsed mobile app, announces today a major update to its multimodal trip planner. With Transit+ riders can now make first-and last-mile connections to buses with personal bikes, Uber ridehail, or riide taxis, making it easier than ever for riders to get aboard public transportation.
“Every month, tens of thousands of users in Saskatoon rely on the app called Transit to plan their trips,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “As soon as Transit+ was unveiled, we immediately were interested in bringing this multimodal trip planner to our riders, expanding the reach of Saskatoon Transit service beyond the bus stop.”
Initially launched in other markets last November, Transit+ is a first-of-a-kind feature that helps transit riders reach transit service that’s not within walking distance. By suggesting trips that combine transit with options like bikes, taxis, and ridehail, Transit+ does the work that used to require juggling multiple apps and schedules.
A recent update to the multimodal trip planner added personal bikes to the mix. Since bikes were added to Transit+ on July 18, Saskatoon Transit riders have selected hundreds of trips that include taking a bike to or from the bus.
The multimodal trip planner will now show options that suggest using riide to take a taxi to the nearest bus service, while showing a real-time ETA for their riide to arrive. Users will be able to plan, book and pay for a riide trip in just a few taps while getting real-time updates on their bus connection.
“Our mission and vision,” says Carlo Triolo, General Manager of riide “is to be a part of a transportation ecosystem, connecting people & communities through better transportation. Collaborating with other transportation providers on projects such as Transit+ is an integral part of creating Mobility as a Service (MaaS) here in Saskatoon. Passengers want convenience & ease of use and they want to be able to combine their options while minimizing costs and wait times. We are very excited to be a part of this launch.”
“Our mission at Transit is to make it easy to get from A to B without your own car,” says David Block-Schachter, Chief Business Officer at Transit. “By connecting bikes, ridehail, and taxis to public transportation, we’re promoting them as vital first- and last-mile links to reduce congestion and help more riders access transit.”
The mobile app, Transit is available to download for iPhone and Android at transitapp.com.
About Saskatoon Transit:
Saskatoon Transit is a division within the City of Saskatoon’s Transportation & Construction Department delivering nearly a million rides each month. With 40 routes and nearly 1500 stops, Saskatoon Transit serves all corners of the City providing eco-friendly and safe alternative transportation for residents. SaskatoonTransit.ca
About riide:
riide exists to give people the freedom of mobility on a platform that quickly and effortlessly connects those in need of a riide with drivers. riide was formed on the premise that everyone who needs transportation, no matter who they are, where they live or how they choose to pay, should have access to a safe and reliable riide, ensuring open transportation for all. Our mission is the connect people and communities through better transportation. Working with Transit and Saskatoon Transit to connect “first mile / last mile” as well as MaaS plays a big part in what we do.
About Transit:
Transit solves the urban commute in more than 200 cities worldwide. Users can easily navigate public transit with accurate real-time predictions, simple trip planning, and step-by-step navigation. The app also integrates other transport modes — bikesharing, carsharing and ridehail — so users can determine the best way to get from A to B. The company is based in Montréal, QC. You can learn more by visiting transitapp.com.