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A typical commute in NYC might involve checking one app for subway arrivals, another for LIRR schedules and maybe a third to figure out whether that bus is actually coming. A new app launching in New York hopes to change that.
Called Go NYC, the free transit app brings together subway, bus, regional rail, ferry and airport transit information into a single platform. Developed by Brooklyn-based mobility company Axon Vibe, the idea of the app is a simple one: instead of bouncing between separate transit apps, riders can plan trips, track departures and monitor service updates across multiple systems in one place.
That includes MTA subways and buses, the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, AirTrain connections and the Staten Island Ferry. For the many New Yorkers whose daily commute involves a combination of those services, having everything consolidated could eliminate some of the guesswork (and app-switching) that comes with getting around the region.
The app's features include real-time departure information, service alerts, multimodal trip planning and nearby station information. Users can also create "Smart Favorites" for frequently used routes and stations, which lets commonly used transit options appear more prominently throughout the app.
Another feature aimed squarely at daily commuters is a collection of home screen widgets that display live transit information without requiring users to open the app itself. In theory, that means fewer frantic refreshes while sprinting toward a train platform.
"New Yorkers move across multiple transit systems every day, but the experience is still fragmented," said Roman Oberli, CEO of Axon Vibe, in a statement announcing the launch. "Go NYC is designed to make the complex feel effortless."
The company says future updates will further expand the platform, including support for NJ Transit and a new perks program that could connect riders with discounts and offers throughout the city.
Whether Go NYC becomes an essential commuting tool remains to be seen. New Yorkers are famously loyal to their transit apps, and the city already has no shortage of navigation options. But for anyone tired of juggling multiple platforms just to get from Brooklyn to Grand Central, the promise of one app that finally puts the region's transit network under a single roof is at least worth a look.
Go NYC is now available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.