ABSTRACT
As is evident from the first few links in the Travel Chain, good rider information is important when planning and conducting a trip. Primary methods used for providing trip-planning information are printed media, help lines, websites, and smartphone applications. In general, all large transit systems provide trip planners and travel information on their websites as the primary outlet for rider information. Smartphone apps from transit providers are increasingly available to access this information but other apps also provide additional information sources. Riders are more willing to risk water damage to a disposable paper schedule than their phone. Other weather factors can also suppress phone use. A student ethnography project conducted by team found that riders use smartphones sparingly at bus stops during high-temperature weather. Trip planners are an easy way for riders to figure the best and fastest route for them to take. All of the sites examined had standalone trip planners, but some include Google Transit as an alternative.
