BOSTON – The MBTA has long displayed wait times on station signs across Greater Boston, but their latest development aims to put that convenience within reach.
The MBTA Go app was developed in-house and provides real-time information about bus, train and commuter rail routes. The agency says it’s all an effort to better help you plan.
The app went live for iPhone users this week. The MBTA said an Android version will be available in February. WBZ-TV found that most commuters hadn’t heard of it.
“I didn’t know this existed,” said one T driver. “But if it’s true, it would be great.”
Caroline James commutes to Boston from Salem several times a week. “Where my office is located, I have a choice to take the green line or the orange line,” James said. “So it would be useful to know the waiting times at each station.”
Accuracy of the train
Many commuters say they use third-party apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps, but they report that their accuracy isn’t exactly consistent. So WBZ-TV set out to test the accuracy of MBTA’s new app and found consistency across the board.
First, trains on the Green and Blue Lines were tested in Government Center. After an hour of investigating both lines, WBZ-TV found that trains arrived within a minute of what the app said. Additionally, if a train was delayed or stuck at an earlier station, the app would display that notification as well.
Bus accuracy
Trains are one thing, but what about buses? The weather couldn’t have been worse on Thursday for an evening ride. Rain, wind and heavy traffic block the city. When checking the No. 9 bus from Copley Square to City Point in South Boston, the app showed a 14-minute wait for the next bus, and it was rolling to the minute. A victory for those who are used to playing a guessing game at the bus stop.
“Days like today are quite tough,” said Andrew Duffy. “I actually ended up calling an Uber.”
Erin Meaney said, “I just stand at the bus stop and hope a bus comes.”
The app also shows whether a line or part of it is out of service and whether shuttle buses are running. The MBTA said this was an important step in improving the driving experience.
“The public deserves and expects timely and accurate real-time information to plan their trips,” said MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “This app is just one part of improving communication.
The app can be downloaded for free from the App Store.
Brandon Truit
