Editor’s note: This is part two of a three-part series.

Sun Metro is looking to develop a smartphone application for metro users by the end of the year or early next year in an effort to modernize the public transportation experience, officials said.

Sun Metro is looking to implement its route planner into an application. As of now, Sun Metro uses Google maps to help users plan their trips throughout the city.

Users, ranging from young to old, have expressed a need for modern features when using public transportation, said Laura Acosta, Sun Metro spokesperson.

On the Android and Apple application stores there are multiple apps, which range from free to $50 dollars, but do not offer real-time status updates for bus arrivals and departures.

“One thing riders are asking for is modernization,” Acosta said.

Acosta said that aside from the Rapid Transit System, Sun Metro is making an effort to better its services in all the bus routes. She said that the changes will upgrade the bus system with the latest innovations to be able to keep up with others across the globe.

“If you don’t improve in what you provide, you will get left behind,” she said. “The app will make it more efficient for the passenger and easy to recall.”

For students at UTEP who use the public transportation system frequently, an app would be ideal. Multiple students explained that the app would benefit them in their experience and the way they take the bus.

Andi Mendoza, junior general studies major, uses the bus every day. She parks at the Cielo Vista Transit Center and then heads to school. She said that the bus helps her save money and is convenient for her commute. 

Mendoza also uses other routes and takes screen shots of the schedule she has to take to get to her destination. She said an app would be a great solution.

“It’s more accessible,” Mendoza said. “Without it, sometimes I wouldn’t know what time to arrive and when to get to school.”

For Mendoza, an app gives a quicker and more direct solution than using the bus system’s website.

Edgar Felix, freshman undeclared major, uses public transportation and said that he uses the maps posted on bus stops once or twice per day.

Felix, who has used the bus for a while, said he knows his routes pretty well, but there is always a change or a different route that needs to be taken. He said he doesn’t mind using printed maps, but prefers electronic forms of planning his route.

“Having an app would be very helpful,” Felix said. “These are not totally bad, but it’d be easier to type in and know my route and my departure times.”

Aaron Montes may be reached at [email protected].