Anything’s possible when Metro meets up with developers at IT workshop

More than 50 technology developers will team up with King County Metro Transit on Thursday, Oct. 22 for a first-of-its-kind IT workshop that may produce new cutting-edge applications to keep bus riders throughout the county better informed.

There’s no doubt technology is moving fast – a key reason why Metro is interested in harnessing private-sector innovation to find new tools to provide riders with timely and accurate bus information.

Many bus riders are already familiar with what transit applications, such as “Tracker” and “One Bus Away,” can do.  Metro already provides transit data to private developers, who in turn, create phone and web applications that help riders locate their bus or estimate wait times. But Metro managers think there may be even more talent waiting to be unleashed.  In an effort to create stronger technology partnerships, Metro is sponsoring a workshop for IT developers in the hopes of spurring new innovative public-private partnerships.

During the workshop, Metro and private IT developers will explore ways to make it easier to share data to encourage innovation.  Ideas might also include better connections to real-time bus information and GIS mapping services, or more effective promotion of bus tracking systems on Metro’s website to better link riders with effective trip-planning tools.

“As technology progresses, Metro believes local innovation and public-private partnerships will play an increasingly important role in providing useful transit information to our customers,” Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond said.  “We are lucky to live in a part of the country known for cutting-edge technology.  This workshop will present a golden opportunity to put this creativity to work to make transit even more convenient for riders.”