b'riders can use the WSDOT app to check local traffic, toll rates, con- app to best serve their customer base. Focusing on the core needs first ditions on nearby mountain passes, and even connect to Amtrak tocan lead to an app thats easy to use and popular with passengers. Spe-purchase tickets.cial features can be added later to further augment the user experience. Beyond tickets and schedules apps can be built out to include, or focusSome companies may find that their existing ticketing vendor can work specifically on, added features to enhance a customers trip. Ameri- with them to develop and build their app. WSDOT handles develop-can Queen Voyages app is not a ticketing app at all and instead is ament in house with a mobile developer. If working with an outside companion to their shore excursions. It allows guests to track the tourvendor, Hall commented on WETAs experience to help guide other buses on an interactive map and to listen to narrations for each stopoperators. We held a competitive procurement process, participated along the hop-on-hop-off routes. Everything from games, to food andin several detailed demos and asked a lot of tough questions. Wed beverage purchases, to weather condition updates can be part of a app. strongly recommend any operators pursuing this path do the same. Its also important to ensure incentives are aligned in the final product, At the heart of every app is the rider. Whether its a customer purchas- so the app works toward the operators objective and further improve-ing a ticket on Fire Island Ferries for a weekends vacation or someonements benefit the developer as well. commuting to work via San Francisco Bay Ferry, passenger vessel apps are a way to help people get where they want and need to go. As such,Keep in mind that technology isnt static and will continue to evolve, rider input can be instrumental in creating a successful app. Thomaseven after your app is live. The team at WSDOT noted, The environ-Hall at WETA noted, Feedback from riders drove a great deal of deci- ment for mobile apps is constantly changing. Phones are continuing sion-making on features and functionality for the app, and continuesto improve in their capabilities and so the companies who manage the to inform ongoing development. Rider engagement is really importantoperating systems on those phones are constantly changing to respond to everything we do at San Francisco Bay Ferry, and ensuring our appto those improvements. Weve had to rewrite the iPhone and Google meets the needs of passengers is no exception. The team at WSDOTmobile apps almost once a year to keep up with those changes.also knows riders are core to an effective app, commenting, User ex-pectations are incredibly high for the information on our mobile appsA mobile app can be a tool for passengers to easily purchase tickets and we continually get feedback regarding issues, improvements, oror can include special features to complement the rider experience. changes we could make to make the app a better experience for ourWhether straight forward or complex, apps offer another way to reach users. Listening to riders can help guide an operator as they build ancustomers and keep them riding in style. DeJong & Lebet, Inc.ExperienceNaval ArchitectsMarine EngineersWhen YouConsultantsSurveyorsNeed It. 71 Sea Island ExplorerEachyear,thousandsofpreventablemaritime accidents are caused by operator inattention, cited twice as frequently as the next leading factor. The Furuno BR500 Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm140 Odyssey Chicago RiverSystem (BNWAS) helps to prevent these accidents.Scan this code with your smart phone for a Guided Tour of the BR500. www.dejongandlebet.com1734 Emerson Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207www.FurunoUSA.com (904) 399-3673 info@dejongandlebet.com15 SEPTEMBER 2022'