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The Source for Public Transportation News and Analysis February 25, 2011
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AROUND THE INDUSTRY
TANK, University Create App for Riders

The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) and Northern Kentucky University's (NKU) College of Informatics have released a second mobile application (app) for download to Android hand-held devices. The "myTANK" app--previously made available for the iPhone--provides passengers with on-demand, location-aware bus routes, times, and trip planning tools in the agency's service area.

Both myTANK mobile apps were built as part of a research partnership between TANK and the NKU College of Informatics, providing another way transit passengers can get transit information at their fingertips. Students in the college contributed a significant portion of the research and development to create both applications. The partnership began in 2008 when it provided TANK information for use by Google Transit.

These applications are the culmination of technologies that resulted into a single handheld app. They use such mobile technologies as maps, Global Positioning Satellite location, and alert notifications to provide TANK riders with the information they need to make better transportation decisions.

"Social media and mobility has changed the way the world communicates, and at TANK we are no different. TANK is proud of all of our research work with NKU and pleased to roll out both an iPhone app and an Android app to serve the growing needs of our tech-savvy passengers," said Gina Douthat, project manager for TANK.

Other technological products created through the partnership include Wi-Fi and video screens on part of TANK's fleet; a TANK mobile web site; and the myTANK alert system to send detour information via text message or e-mail to passengers signing up for the service.

"During a time when transit systems, including TANK, are facing budgetary constraints, TANK looked to the students and researchers at NKU to innovate and help meet some of the technology expectations of today's transit rider--that information will be easily accessible and simple to use. From the Google Transit trip planner to the mobile apps, there is truly a way for just about everyone to get information about TANK in the way that they prefer to receive it," said Andrew Aiello, TANK general manager.

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