More than 5.5 million trips were planned last year using TriMet’s tools. Thanks to new online trip planner, these tools just got better. Riders can now combine transit, biking, walking and car-sharing trips in a single itinerary.
The open-source tool is the first of its kind produced by a U.S. transit agency. TriMet and OpenTripPlanner were recognized by the White House as Champions of Change touting how "open government technology transforms the way we travel."
What’s so special about this new tool? The trip planner features the ability to customize routes by travel mode. For example, users can now plan biking and taking transit or create a route that combines walking with Zipcar. Because the tool uses OpenStreetMap, a Wikipedia-like map, TriMet will have an easier time keeping bike routes and walking paths updated.
The tool features robust biking information. It offers suggestions for the quickest, flattest and safest routes. The interactive preference chart allows users to see various route options based on their biking preferences.
TriMet riders aren’t the only one who will benefit from the new tool. Because it uses open source software and open data, the trip planner was less expensive to develop and the technology can be used by other agencies worldwide. The tool also allows for future inclusion of other transit systems, such as C-TRAN.
The tool was developed with two Metro Regional Travel Options grants totaling nearly $164,000. RTO grants support projects that reduce the number of people driving alone, improve air quality and address community health issues. Metro will be accepting grant applications during fall 2012 for the new grant cycle.