November 14, 2017
Over the last few years, SEPTA riders haven’t particularly loved the transit system’s smartphone app, which is supposed to provide system schedules and real-time updates to locate buses and trains.
Much like SEPTA itself, the app has been full of glitches, sending frenzied, frustrated commuters to Twitter to voice complaints.
.@SEPTA regional rail delays are super inconvenient and not publicized enough. I have your app but the schedule still gave me the wrong time
— Jenny Roberts (@byjennyroberts) October 8, 2017
@SEPTA @SEPTA_SOCIAL why don't you use your app to broadcast bus detours!?!? Seems like a no-brainer. Just wasted 30 minutes waiting! 👎😡
— Dori Bova (@DoriBova) October 12, 2017
Well according to the @SEPTA app no trains are coming ever. Maybe the world ended, and we are the Leftovers. pic.twitter.com/KPGIxrIgf6
— Cbrazas ✊🏽 (@cbrazas) October 17, 2017
The schedule on the app that is supposed to "update" doesn't post correct times that match the trains OR the times posted on the platform 😠
— Amity (@amitywood) October 18, 2017
@SEPTA_SOCIAL once again tried to take 57 and ended up in lyft. Bus 4 miles away at scheduled arrival time! And app realtime gives 0 update
— CouchMonologues (@couchmonologues) October 20, 2017
@SEPTA Your app says train is 7 late. It’s been gone for 4 minutes, and was on time. Thanks a lot.... pic.twitter.com/BT8znXJpa6
— Brad Bender (@BenderHeel) October 30, 2017
On Wednesday, some of those complaints sent over the social media airwaves might actually amount to something as SEPTA unveils its new (and hopefully improved) app for iPhone, Android, and desktops.
“The new app was bulit with customer comments and feedback in mind,” SEPTA said in an announcement Monday. SEPTA promises “greater ease to check schedules and find service information,” and new vehicle locator technology.
“With location updates for Regional Rail trains, about every 30 seconds, the app will deliver the most current information about scheduled service and in-service delays.”
According to the announcement, the real-time data will also be displayed at SEPTA stations to reach users who don’t have a smartphone.
The app’s Train View feature, which offers a map scattered with the trains in motion throughout the SEPTA system, also will be getting an upgrade. The improved app should offer a Train View that actually gives real-time information and will take into account trains that get delayed almost routinely by Amtrak.
SEPTA also promises “easy to understand” app navigation that finally includes the option to “Favorite” a commute so you don’t have to keep looking it up every day.
Get more info about new features and how to download the app on the SEPTA blog. Be sure to try it out tomorrow, and we’ll see you on Twitter if the app still isn’t working for you.
