The Rapid Website v1
Related Resources
Ride the Rapid
The Rapid had an existing site that was developed and managed by its own internal IT department. The bulk of the site was current, however the growing services of the transportation authority, increased interest in more interactive functions and the need to present a progressive image consistent with other Rapid communications necessitated a comprehensive site re-development. The Rapid desired to create a site that better reflects the image they are continuously developing in the community while also providing more user tools online.
Key development components included:
- Creating a fresh, progressive appearance for the website that reflects an appropriate perception of the service that The Rapid provides to the Grand Rapids area
- Updating via a CMS to allow authorized Rapid staff to add and update their own copy/content
- Purchasing fares – allow fare cards for multiple services to be purchased
- Trip planning – integrate existing route software into the site to provide users with suggested route(s) based on provided start and destination addresses
- Integrating route information more smoothly – includes maps, schedules, and fare purchases
- Integrating an alert system to subscribers that would notify them of route delays or other notifications in a timely manner
The re-developed Rapid website (ridetherapid.org) was launched in 2007 reflecting many of the initial elements. With the new platform – and extensive analytical information – further phases of improvement and re-development have been identified based on ongoing analysis and evaluation. New rider tools that improve route and stop data as well as real-time bus status are ready to be launched for the site in the coming months. In addition, social medial tools have been added to the overall web strategy to improve ongoing communication efforts related to both daily route activity as well as public relations overall.
