MBTA to select preferred transit app

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is holding a contest to select and officially endorse an app for real-time arrival and departure information.

Dozens of apps are available for riders to get information on the agency's subway, bus, commuter-rail and ferry routes. However, the proliferation of the apps can lead to confusion and "does not always meet the [MBTA's] goal for a seamless customer service," agency officials said in a press release.

A single prominent app would help to improve the customer experience, MBTA officials said.

After considering public comment, MBTA will select the most preferred app and announce it in September 2016. The chosen app will be featured prominently on MBTA for a full year and receive the agency's endorsement.

A public forum will be held Aug. 12 at the State Transportation Building, where developers will showcase their apps. The event will feature finalists from existing apps.

MBTA is seeking an app that integrates with its mobile ticketing provider Masabi, provides an "innovative" way for customers to give feedback, and includes advanced data collection that maintains customer privacy.

More information can be found at www.mbtaapprfp.com.