The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) is partnering with State College-based Avail Technologies to test a new way for riders to check bus arrival information directly from their stops.

As part of the six-month pilot program, 20 new signs will be placed at bus stops across the Centre Region. The signs will allow passengers to access live bus updates by scanning a QR code or tapping their phones.

Riders with GPS enabled on their devices can view information specific to their bus stop. Those without location services turned on will instead be directed to CATA’s system-wide bus map.

Since the signs are still in the testing phase, they won’t feature the usual branding or instructions. However, CATA confirmed that they’re part of an authorized pilot program and are ready for passengers to use.

The project will also give Avail Technologies an opportunity to gather feedback and make improvements before moving forward with the new technology.

“CATA and Avail Technologies have a long history of working together, and we are happy to assist this hometown partner with its efforts to pilot new ways to provide riders with real-time bus information at their stop, which is when it is most needed,” CATA CEO Todd Horsley said in a news release.

The pilot program will run for approximately six months as the companies explore ways to make real-time transit information more accessible to local riders.

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Darina Ayazbayeva

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