QR codes posted on CATA bus stops to will help commuters

QR codes at bus stops

QR codes at bus stops

Students with smartphones will have greater access to information.

With the approach of the start of the fall semester, the Center Area Transportation Authority in Pennsylvania, has announced that it is making several mobile commerce efforts, including the use of QR codes displayed at bus stops.

This is only one of several new mobile commerce features being launched by CATA.

Riders can use the QR codes that have been added to the signage at the bus stops on the busiest CATA routes by scanning them with any smartphone. This will provide them with real time bus arrival data so that they will know how long they need to wait for the next bus to arrive. Because it is always up to date, it takes into account whether or not the bus is on schedule, or if it has been delayed due to traffic jams, detours, or emergencies.

A new video will soon be posted on the CATA website, which demonstrates the use of the QR codes.

This new instruction guide will be available in the video portion of the official website, where there are several others that already offer riders useful tips and tricks for using the CATA system. More information will also become available from the downtown office, which will be opening on August 25 and August 26 for people who would like to ask questions, or who need to buy tokens or passes. Those offices will be open on Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and on Sunday from noon until 4:30pm.

Aside from the QR codes, CATA is also addressing the growing need for mobile commerce with the release of its real time bus tracking app. This application was created in partnership with Appek LLC. The app is available for free and is compatible with iPhones with iOS version 4.0 or newer, as well as Android devices.

The apps are both called CATA and can be downloaded at the Apple App Store and at the Android Market. They allow riders to view bus stops and route maps, as well as the current location of the buses. Users can create “Favorite” groups so that they can view the status of several bus routes at the same time.

The CATA app is not needed to scan the QR codes. Instead, any barcode scanning application will suffice.

Leave a Comment


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.