Have you ever wanted to plan a trip that combines transit with walking or biking on just one route? TriMet's new trip planning tool, which is the development stage now, allows you to create routes that seamlessly integrate multiple modes of transportation. While it won't go public for another year, you can get a sneak preview on July 20 at Metro.
The Open Trip Planner will make transit simple to use, map ways to use active transportation, and help you explore the community and region more easily. Currently in beta testing, it will soon help you easily plan routes on foot, bike, train, bus or any combination thereof.
The Open Trip Planner will take TriMet's existing trip planning tool to the next level by allowing you to easily tailor routes to your preferences. For example, it will help you eliminate transfers, find a more scenic path to walk or find you buses that have bike storage.
TriMet and the company OpenPlans developed the project with help from a $69,000 Metro Regional Travel Options grant. They brought together open source developers to put together the multi-modal trip planner. Once created, TriMet hopes agencies across the world will use it to encourage people to use transit and active travel options.
OpenPlans' Michael Keating will join Bibiana McHugh of TriMet on Tuesday, July 20 to unveil the beta version of the Open Trip Planner. They will show its many uses and talk about the future of open source technology. The seminar will be held at the Metro Regional Center at 600 NE Grand Ave., from noon to 1:30 p.m. You're welcome to bring your lunch.