Mentor Engineering has released its online passenger information system, Mentor MyRide. Developed for transit agencies, it provides passengers with various means of accessing real-time bus location, status and schedule information online using a desktop computer, smart phone or regular mobile phone.
MyRide provides real-time bus departure information. Passengers simply select the route and stop they are interested in, and MyRide will return departure times for the next three buses passing through the requested stop. With real-time SMS, users can text the transit agency using a designated phone number and the bus stop code from the bus stop they are at. The system will automatically return the departure times of the next few buses leaving that stop.
Meanwhile, MyRide provides configurable alerts and notifications. Passengers who sign up for a rider information account at the agency's website will receive either automatic alerts for the specific routes and stops they wish or system-wide alerts when they want them. Alerts are sent out via SMS text message or email. The system also provides real-time map updates and trip planning facilities.
