This story was up on today's Student Life e-mail update, for all who might be interested.
http://www.studlife.com? Just judging by the URL, I wouldn't have figured that for a university paper...
Awesome idea. Would be nice if someone made an Android version, too.
-RBB
Awesome idea. Would be nice if someone made an Android version, too.
-RBB
I had a class with him over the summer while he was developing the app. I was thinking about it over the weekend while waiting for the train, wondering if he had got it done. I guess so.
I guess I don't see anything this app does that Android Maps doesn't already perform.RBB wrote:http://www.studlife.com? Just judging by the URL, I wouldn't have figured that for a university paper...
Awesome idea. Would be nice if someone made an Android version, too.
-RBB
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I use the app since it's faster and more straightforward when I need to glance at the MetroLink schedule. At least using Google Maps, the directions would often suggest the first train to leave the CWE stop and then a transfer to the Lambert or Shrewsbury train instead of simply suggesting I get on the right train to start with - and save a few minutes in the process.
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Is Metrolink that complicated that you need an app to figure it out? There are two lines. Look at the map on the platform, figure out which one you need, then wait for the next train.
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Since you asked, I take MetroLink to Clayton for work and also to the airport a couple times a month. Instead of memorizing the schedule to the airport, I open the app and see when trains leave the CWE for Lambert. My flight schedule changes and so the train I take changes. I'm often at home with my two-year-old and want to stay home for as long as possible. The app is by far the quickest way to see whether a train to the airport leaves at 8:44 or 8:50 or 8:55 so I can do the 8min walk to the station and get to the airport for a 10:00 flight. Make sense?
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I guess, if 8 minutes are that valuable to you.Alex Ihnen wrote:Since you asked, I take MetroLink to Clayton for work and also to the airport a couple times a month. Instead of memorizing the schedule to the airport, I open the app and see when trains leave the CWE for Lambert. My flight schedule changes and so the train I take changes. I'm often at home with my two-year-old and want to stay home for as long as possible. The app is by far the quickest way to see whether a train to the airport leaves at 8:44 or 8:50 or 8:55 so I can do the 8min walk to the station and get to the airport for a 10:00 flight. Make sense?
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^ Good point. I probably waste 8 minutes replying to your comments each week. Maybe I don't value my time after all.
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I guess I don't micromanage my life down to the second. Apparently I have more interesting things to think about than you do.Alex Ihnen wrote:^ Good point. I probably waste 8 minutes replying to your comments each week. Maybe I don't value my time after all.
Is it that strange to want a quick and easy method for determining when you would be picked up at a given location and when you would be dropped off at another?
I find it odd that you would not want this information.
I find it odd that you would not want this information.
Nope, of course not. I've used this kind of functionality that's already built into Google Maps (and on my Android phone.) I didn't need to download a separate app, but perhaps that's necessary with an iPhone.mklein49 wrote:Is it that strange to want a quick and easy method for determining when you would be picked up at a given location and when you would be dropped off at another?
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Google maps works the same way on an iPhone and on Android - same options, functionality, etc. It worked the same on my Blackberry when I was using that as well. The app is simply faster and more straightforward for some of the reasons cited above.
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Sorry dad.innov8ion wrote:^ Enough, both of you...
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So I read this thread and from what I could gather, getting this app is a lot like wearing a watch. Sure you could look at your phone to see what time it is, but its quicker and easier to glance at your wrist. (Also, more trendy too). Is that about right?mklein49 wrote:Is it that strange to want a quick and easy method for determining when you would be picked up at a given location and when you would be dropped off at another?
I find it odd that you would not want this information.
It would be great for Metro riders to have an app like the one the Seattle transit system uses. It's called One Bus Away, and what makes it so useful is that all the buses are equipped with GPS sensors, so the app can tell you roughly when the bus will be arriving at your stop. I can take a couple of different bus routes to and from work. One Bus Away makes it easy to figure out which one I have time to catch, or if I have time to stop and get a soda or whatever without missing my bus, etc.
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Some of Metro's buses are fitted with GPS currently, though I believe they are only used for logistics - that is, info's not available for the public. Once all buses are outfitted hopefully there's an app. That would be great.
Am I still livingin the stone age? I just found out about this app (transitapp.com). it's incredible how well it can find routes for Metro and the different options, times, etc. I highly recommend it.
I don't know if Metro officially endorses this or not (it appears other cities have their own version of the same app), but I recently downloaded this one: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/transit ... 47824?mt=8
TransitApp is better than the Metro one, in terms of usability and functionality. I'm not sure which one has better time information. everyone should download both though. very cool app. Also cool to see the parking meter app. never thought the city would lead the way in the region with that.
I guess I have the only transit app that Metro updates lol. Posted one hour ago:
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I don't rely on the app everyday...so I can't speak to the possibility of them missing some updates or not. But when I do need the app the closures/service adjustments/announcements are always listed and seemingly up to date. I've never had any issues.
I don't rely on the app everyday...so I can't speak to the possibility of them missing some updates or not. But when I do need the app the closures/service adjustments/announcements are always listed and seemingly up to date. I've never had any issues.
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Likewise, I have never had issues with the Transit app.
