New app maps out Sandusky Transit routes

SANDUSKY — Sandusky Transit officials keep rolling out new amenities for riders to make their trips that much more convenient.Earlier this month, the city's public transportation department announced it went live on the Transit app, available for smartphone users via the App Store or Google Play.Basically, it shows transit's five fixed routes — the Red, Blue, Green, Purple and Yellow lines — and stops along each one. It also incorporates GPS programming to show a person's proximity to a particular line."This is a great app that allows you to easily plan your trips around Sandusky on (the) Sandusky Transit System," according to a statement on the local agency's official Facebook page. "Just open the app, and it shows you the bus routes closest to you along with the current schedule."It'll soon sync up and work in conjunction with another recent technological upgrade, which will allow riders to purchase bus tickets on smartphones as well.Eventually, transit officials want to install Wi-Fi on the buses. Other than riders accessing the free high-speed internet service, another advantage takes into account passengers waiting at stops. They'll soon see, in real-time, where buses are located or moving. This can help riders gauge exactly when a bus will make a particular stop at a precise location."We are trying to make everything easier for people," said city transit administrator Nicole DeFreitas, who's implemented these new routes and aforementioned technological upgrades upon starting in her position in May 2018. "Riding transit has been a barrier because it's been confusing. We want transit to be easy to ride so it benefits all of our riders."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.A screenshot shows Sandusky Transit's Purple Line as it appears on the app Transit. A screenshot shows several options for how a person at a precise location in Sandusky can get around the city as it appears on the app Transit. Included in the choices: Several lines Sandusky Transit services for this area.