Going Greyhound to get easier with GPS tracker on mobile app
Greyhound will boost convenience for travelers on mobile by including a new real-time GPS tracking system on its mobile application, allowing customers to see where their bus is, and when it will arrive at their destination.
Starting June 22, customers will be able to access BusTracker on the national intercity bus system?s app from any mobile device. The feature?s launch will be the latest enhancement aimed at personalizing the travel experience for Greyhound customers, on top of the recent upgrade of more than 1,200 buses.
?The use of mobile in the travel industry has been growing, and we?ve seen our customers? use of mobile grow exponentially,? said Andy Kaplinsky, chief commercial officer with Greyhound, Dallas.
?BusTracker offers customers a convenient way to keep track of their bus, in real time, so they are always aware of the status of their schedule.?
Tracking systems
The app will be available on Apple and Android devices.
BusTracker will pull data from three tracking systems installed on all Greyhound buses. It will automatically update every one to four minutes to provide the latest schedule status for customers.
Staying on top of changes in trip schedule status.
First, the smartphone or tablet user will go to the app. He or she then will be able to use BusTracker to search by schedule number, departure city or arrival city for status updates.
As part of Greyhound?s fleet upgrade, all buses feature free onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, leather seats, extra legroom and access to OnTouch, a catalog of destination packages that lets customers buy tickets to attractions, theatrical events and ground-transportation offers.
Other features include guaranteed seating and $1 fares on Greyhound Express routes, part of a campaign to portray the bus service as an affordable, modern travel option.
In celebrating its 100th anniversary last year, Greyhound, the largest North American provider of intercity bus transportation, launched a multi-city Centennial Tour to broadly showcase its latest advancements.
In November, Greyhound sought to entice consumers to buy more bus tickets via its then-new mobile application, which featured mobile booking and a rewards program.
The app allowed guests to easily manage their Greyhound trips by searching for schedules, using discounts, booking trips and finding terminal locations all through their mobile device.
Mobile use on buses has been growing as travelers prefer to use the extra time slower modes of transportation afford to perform tasks on mobile devices.
A study last July by DePaul University?s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development found that the ability to stay connected has significantly boosted the growth of intercity bus and train travel.
Using technology
It found that discount city-to-city buses services such as Megabus experienced the fastest increase in technology use. More than 59 percent of bus passengers powered up ? an increase from 46.4 percent a year earlier ? and outdistanced Amtrak trains, conventional buses and air travel by a wide margin.
Portraying Greyhound as an affordable, modern travel option.
?We are continuing to look at additional enhancements to our mobile offerings in the coming year, so it doesn?t stop with BusTracker,? Mr. Kaplinsky said.
?All of our efforts are centered around providing customers with the beset experience possible and that extends to their mobile experience as well.?
Final Take
Michael Barris is staff reporter on Mobile Marketer, New York