MTA riders to vote on 49 transit apps; TriMet to unveil mobile tickets next week

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and AT&T yesterday released 49 new apps designed to help improve the commutes for millions of transit riders, and opened public voting for New Yorkers to select their favorite transit tool.

The apps were developed as part of the 2013 App Quest virtual challenge, a global competition aimed at creating new mobile tools that use real-time MTA data, authority officials said in a press release.

The APP Quest was launched in May with a weekend "hackathon." Developers had the opportunity to continue working on their apps through the final deadline earlier this month.

Voting for the submitted apps will continue through Sept. 10. Winners will be announced by September's end.

"We are very pleased that so many app developers have dedicated their time and energy toward creating apps that aim to help our customers," said MTA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Prendergast.

Meanwhile, the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) will release the "TriMet Tickets" app on Sept. 4, the agency announced on Monday.

The free smartphone app will be enable riders to purchase tickets on an Android or iPhone for travel on agency buses, MAX or WES trains, and the Portland Streetcar.