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Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a completely rebuilt MTA app for subway and bus riders, one that promises a faster, cleaner and (most importantly) more accurate way to navigate the system. At its core, the redesigned app relies heavily on real-time data, which lets riders see exactly where their train or bus is and its arrival times, not just for the next stop but for every stop ahead.
“New York’s transit renaissance goes beyond investing in great subway and bus service—we are making real improvements to the riding experience of millions of New Yorkers at every step of their journey,” Hochul said.
The redesign also addresses one of the system’s more chaotic elements: the stations themselves. While you might know your regular stops like the back of your hand, the app now includes clearer layouts for multi-level stations, better transfer guidance and even markers that show you where on the platform to stand for easier boarding and exiting.
Bus riders, who often seem like the forgotten middle child of transit apps, get a noticeable upgrade here, too. The new version includes more frequent location updates, clearer stop information and real-time connections between buses and subways. If it works as advertised, it will be a huge improvement for what can be a pretty painful way to traverse the city.
Accessibility is also improved. A new mode points out accessible stations, while elevator and escalator statuses are easier to find (and hopefully more reliable). The app also supports screen readers and font scaling and continues to integrate with Access-A-Ride.
“The new MTA App is all about giving subway and bus customers the smoothest ride possible,” said the MTA’s chief customer officer, Shanifah Rieara. “Having quick access to real-time arrivals, clearer station layouts and better transfer information makes it easier to move through the system with confidence.”
Perhaps the most impressive of all: the app was built entirely in-house by an MTA tech team rather than outsourced—something officials say means faster updates in the future and lower costs. It’s available now on iOS and Android, with more features (including OMNY ride history) rolling out later this year.
The real test, of course, is what happens at 8:47 am on a delayed Tuesday on the B train.