MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new app that connects MATA with Uber and lets you track your bus has officially launched in Memphis.
Memphis is one of two pilot cities testing the app called Transloc.
Veronica Flowers uses a cane to walk and relies on MATA to get around town.
“I just missed my bus, because the schedule was wrong,” she said.
So she was excited to hear about the app Transloc that launched in Memphis Tuesday, which connects MATA to Uber and lets riders track their buses’ arrival times.
“It’s hard for me to get around, and it’s good if you can know exactly what time your bus is coming, especially if it’s running late.”
Transloc did a phone interview with WREG Tuesday explaining how the app works.
Joshua Cohen said it works “to see in real time when my bus is going to arrive, to see important announcements that might be impacting the bus.”
It also can connect with Uber, the ride-sharing service, to get people to and from bus stops.
A button in the app lets you plan your whole trip ahead of time and have an Uber driver waiting at your stop if you need one.
“It will kind of connect that into your itinerary,” Cohen said.
MATA officials were out of town and not able to talk to WREG about future costs associated with Transloc.
Right now, Transloc said the testing phase is costing MATA nothing.
If MATA decided to enter into a long-term contract, that would change, but it is no secret the transit’s already in hot water when it comes to finances and balancing its budget.
Still, some riders, like Lekeitha Oliver, said anything that makes their commute easier would be money well spent. “It will be helpful for me, and I like that.”
You can use the code TRANSLOCRIDER through the app to get your first Uber ride of up to $15 free as long as you are a new Uber user.
