Public Transit & the Palm Pre

For a few months now, the iPhone has had an app for the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). MassTransit(TM), created by the local Cambridge, MA company Sparkfish Creative, includes schedule information for all MBTA services. There isn't an app like this for the Palm Pre just  yet, but I've grouped a few apps together that provides a similar functionality.

First on my list is Google Maps. Google Maps has transit directions. All you have to do is put in your current location (or have auto locate enabled which will enter your location for you), your destination, and the time you are leaving. It will give you a list of various times and routes you can choose from.

Google Maps Transit Directions

Second on my list is FeedReader. After you input the MBTA's RSS Feed in to the app, you'll be able to view all of the service alerts that the MBTA posts (Note: There will be a lot of service alerts throughout the day).

FeedReader MBTA RSS

Finally, third on my list is PDF Viewer. The MBTA provides a downloadable  map of it's transit services in Portable Document Format. Although I don't use this (since I have memorized the MBTA's map), I have included this to round out my list.

PDF Viewer MBTA Map

Although this is not the most eligant solution, until a developer creates a fully functioning app for the MBTA, this is a free alternative for people living in the Boston area using the Palm Pre.

About Aaron

Computer Instructor for J. Ryan Solutions, a company which manages computer labs in housing developments throughout the city of Boston, Cambridge, and in the Washington, DC area.