PORT ANGELES — Need a lift from Forks to Port Townsend? Unfamiliar with public transportation?
Clallam Transit and Google have a solution.
Clallam County’s public transportation district has launched an online trip planner through the Internet giant’s Google Maps service to help passengers navigate bus routes and make transfers into other counties.
Riders enter their start and destination addresses to find bus routes, fares and a list of scheduled stops.
Clallam Transit launched the Google Transit function in April, which provides estimated travel times for riding the bus, driving and walking. It is linked to Clallam Transit’s website, www.clallamtransit.com.
“This partnership will benefit tourists to the Olympic Peninsula and new and veteran customers alike,” Clallam Transit General Manager Terry Weed said in a statement.
Google Transit is linked from county-to-county. Jefferson Transit launched the service in September 2008.
“What we’ve learned so far is that it’s stable, it’s working and that we can be well-served by advertising it more than we have already,” said Peggy Hanson, Jefferson Transit general manager.
Jefferson County customers can plan their trips on Jefferson Transit’s home page, www.jeffersontransit.com.
Clallam Transit staff spent a year-and-a-half entering global positioning system data and route information that Google added to its online map.
“It took quite a bit of internal work,” said Clint Wetzel, Clallam Transit operations manager.
Operations staffer Sonya McKibbon did most of the legwork on Clallam Transit’s end.
Every scheduled pickup at every Clallam Transit bus stop had to be uploaded onto a spreadsheet.
“It’s a really good tool,” McKibbon said. “I’m really pleased with this.”
Wetzel said the online trip planner will help commuters and social and human services agencies assist clients with their transportation needs.
The online information will help Clallam Transit reach a broader audience and introduce new riders to the convenience of public transit, Wetzel said.
“By becoming an active partner, Clallam Transit System is taking another step to decrease area traffic congestion and environmental effects while increasing mobility for all,” he said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
