This actually might be our first time at the Rodeo…
Houston, We Have An App
METRO Houston debuted their new mobile ticketing app for their transit system yesterday. Powered by our friends at GlobeSherpa, the app will allow residents and visitors of Space City to use their iOS or Android devices to board the METRORail and bus system just in time for the annual Houston Rodeo. Check out the official press release as well as this awesome story by City Lab.
SXSW 2016 x The Obamas x #ATXTraffic
Austin commuters who already deal with the painful #ATXTraffic are really going to feel its wrath next week. Not only does SXSW 2016 kick off on Friday, March 11th, but President Obama will also be in town for a DNC fundraiser and a separate keynote. First Lady Michelle Obama will also speak during SXSW Music on Wednesday, March 16th. We’re taking the opportunity to remind Austinites of a few traffic alternatives such as Capital Metro, teleworking, carpooling or utilizing one of the TNCs in town.
Ready, Set, #goDCgo! The DC Streetcar Launch
We gave you a heads up last week, so we’re happy to report that the D.C. Streetcar took its first official ride on Saturday, February 27th. Hundreds of residents gathered on H Street NE for a celebration, free goodies and a grand opening speech by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. The new streetcar came with a hefty price tag ($200 million), but is free for riders until later this year. (Next City)
Lyft Data May No Longer Stay L.A. Confidential
LA Metro is working on a deal to gain access to Lyft’s data on trips to and from select transit stations. The agency wants information on how San Francisco commuters complete their first and last mile to stations in an effort to get a better idea of how riders use the services together. The partnership will end up being a win-win as LA Metro will advertise and encourage use of Lyft around town in exchange for the data. (L.A. Times)
How Zipcar is Changing Its Carsharing Method
While car2g0 already supports one-way trips, Zipcar is starting to increase the number of cities and vehicles that will handle them. Typically a user would check out a vehicle and have to return it to the same parking spot by a preset time. Now, users can reserve an ending location and keep the vehicle as long as they would like. If this isn’t big enough for the service, self-driving Zipcars vehicles are also predicted to be on the horizon. (Boston Herald)
Have a story you want added to our weekly #TransitTrends? Leave us a comment or send it to us on Twitter by tweeting @RideScout.
Note: This story was edited on Wednesday, March 2nd after SXSW announced First Lady Michelle Obama’s keynote.
