A new smartphone application combined with quick response codes can keep commuters informed.
In Kenosha, Wisconsin, commuters now have new feature available to help to simplify their use of public transit, as QR codes can now allow them to use their smartphones to be able to access the latest schedules.
The quick response codes work with a mobile app that was created by University of Wisconsin-Parkside students.
That university’s App Factory students developed the mobile application which is available to transit users for free. It is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android based devices. Through simple scanning of QR codes, users are able to access the schedules for the transit system so that they can find out when the next bus is set to arrive.
The QR codes have now been posted on bus stop signage throughout the city of Kenosha.
All a user has to do is scan one of the QRcodes through the mobile app and they will be able to view the routes, times, and directions in which the busses travel, so that they will be able to better understand how to reach their destinations and how long it will likely take to get there.
The mobile app also provides bus stop location mapping for users. This makes it easier for transit riders to be able to find the closest location to where they currently are. That particular feature is based on GPS technology. It not only lets the user check where the closest places are to get on the bus they want, but it also informs them as to when the next bus will be arriving at that specific location.
Furthermore, for the users of the mobile app who don’t know how to travel from their current position to the bus stop that is closest to them, walking directions are also provided. This makes sure that they will take the shortest and safest route to reach the bus that they need.
The Kenosha Area Transit App and the QR codes were developed by the students at UW-Parkside student team as well as an assistant professor of computer science, Derek Riley, Ph.D., who is also the App Factory’s co-director.