MYmta is a mobile application-based passenger information display system developed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of New York City. A beta version of the app was launched on July 2, 2018, and as of June 2019[update] is still undergoing beta testing. While other applications exist which serve similar functions, MYmta is an all-in-one source for data provided directly by the MTA.[1]
 | |
| Original author(s) | Metropolitan Transportation Authority |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Metropolitan Transportation Authority |
| Initial release | July 2, 2018 |
| Preview release | 0.9.40
/ August 27, 2021 |
| Available in | 6 languages |
| Type | Passenger information display system |
| Website | new |
Functionality
editMYmta is intended to combine MTA functionalities that are already available in separate apps such as Subway Time, Bus Time, and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad Train Time applications into one all-encompassing application.[2] The app also includes trip planning and paratransit functionalities, and will eventually include fare payment options as well.
Since its launch, the app has been in the testing phase, and thus the MTA is seeking feedback from users on what functionality customers would like to see included in the application.[3][4]
Live information
editSimilar to the MTA's Subway Time app, MYmta includes live subway arrival times. Similarly, the app also includes live bus arrival times and map tracking with functionality similar to that found in the MTA Bus Time app.
Trip planning
editUnlike previous iterations of MTA trip planners, the version included within MYmta also supports modes of transportation not operated by the MTA, such as the Staten Island Ferry, NYC Ferry, PATH, and NJ Transit services.[5][6] MYmta can also save users' favorite trips, stations, and stops, so information about them can be accessed quickly.[6]
The app also displays up-to-date information about delays and service changes so users can plan trips accordingly.[7]
Paratransit and accessibility
editMYmta allows paratransit users to request services through Access-A-Ride, the MTA's paratransit offering.[8]
In addition, the app reports statuses and outages of elevators and escalators in accessible stations,[9] extending the functionality also performed by the similarly named My MTA Alerts service into application form.
Fare payment
editAs of June 2019[update], the app itself does not support any direct fare payment systems. However, it does link to the MTA eTix app for LIRR and Metro-North services after the user has chosen a route. Once the app leaves beta testing, though, the MTA has announced plans to combine eTix functionality into the MYmta app.[5]
In the future, the MTA also intends to add bus and subway fare payment options to the application as part of its new OMNY fare payment system.[10]
History
editThe MTA began testing MYmta in April 2018 as a replacement for its existing suite of applications.[6]
The beta version app was released on July 2, 2018,[7][10] and it was largely received positively. John Hatchett, an Access-A-Ride user, commented, "I've really felt like we've been listened to about not only what's not working but what we would like to see to make it work better."[1] Transit journalist Jason Rabinowitz commented: "the fact that [the MTA] launched its new app with an outdated subway map is just so deliciously good that I may skip lunch today."[11] However, the New York City Transit chief customer officer Sarah Meyer stated that this was because "updating the map would have jeopardized the launch date" of the app.[12]
References
edit- ^ a b Manskar, Noah (July 2, 2018). "New MTA App Shows All Transit Info In One Place". New York City, NY Patch. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
- ^ Berger, Paul (July 2, 2018). "MTA Launches New App for Riders to Plan Transit in Real Time". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
- ^ Guz, Gabrielle; Levine, Alexandra S. (July 9, 2018). "New York Today: A New App From the M.T.A." The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
- ^ Pereira, Ivan (July 2, 2018). "MTA launches one-stop app with real-time updates". am New York. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
- ^ a b Coyne, Matt (July 2, 2018). "MTA launches new site and Mymta app, looking for feedback". lohud.com. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
- ^ a b c Barone, Vincent (April 11, 2018). "New MTA app to offer real-time commuting info". am New York. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
- ^ a b Barron, James (July 1, 2018). "Don't Hate Her. She's Just the (Subway) Messenger". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
- ^ O'Hara, Andres (July 2, 2018). "The MTA Launches Test Version Of New Real-Time App And Website". Gothamist. Archived from the original on June 6, 2019. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
- ^ dnsdr (May 4, 2018). "MTA Launches MYmta MTA App on iPhone and Android". nysubway.com. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
- ^ a b Rivoli, Dan (July 2, 2018). "MTA unveils new travel app for public testing". nydailynews.com. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
- ^ Rabinowitz, Jason (July 2, 2018). "The fact that @MTA launched its new app with an outdated subway map is just so deliciously good that I may skip lunch todaypic.twitter.com/mKrSimwKO4". @airlineflyer. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- ^ Meyer, Sarah (July 2, 2018). "Hi guys, I was told there was a code freeze while the app was in review by Apple and Google...and updating the map would have jeopardized the launch date. Please know this is in our queue and will be fixed this week". @SarahMeyerNYC. Retrieved June 18, 2019.