An app already helping thousands of STA riders plan trips and track buses is now officially promoted by STA. Beginning Tuesday, November 4, STA is officially launching its partnership with Transit App.

The collaboration will give riders more accurate, real-time arrival predictions and an improved trip-planning experience.

“One of the most common questions customers have is, ‘Where’s my bus?’,” said Carly Cortright, STA’s Chief Communications & Customer Service Officer. “Transit App puts that answer right in your hand, with live data that’s as precise as possible.”

The app is free to download and includes “Royale,” Transit App’s premium subscription tier, made available at no cost to anyone using the app within STA’s service area. Unlocked courtesy of STA, Royale includes features such as viewing all transit lines, expanded trip-planning results, and unlimited access to future schedules, as well as customizations like app themes, extra icons, and access to Transit App’s GO leaderboard features. The app also includes interactive tools that allow riders to report data to the app, such as how crowded a particular bus is when they board it.

“It’s a neat feature that gamifies the riding experience,” Cortright said.

Previously, STA has noted the existence of several apps to help customers with trip planning but has avoided officially endorsing any particular app, leaving it to riders’ preferences and discretion. While Transit App has been available for a while, riders currently have to pay for a Royale subscription. But starting November 4, that will change.

“Once riders open the app on November 4, they’ll automatically have access to all the Royale features,” Cortright explained. “It’s a way for us to enhance the customer experience across the board. I think the app is so user-friendly that I personally recommend it to others. I use it almost daily.”

Transit App also introduces an automatic detour detection feature. If a route changes unexpectedly due to construction, weather, or emergencies, riders can see the new path and temporary stops on a live map. In addition to trip planning and bus tracking, users can also pay their fare directly in the app using Apple Pay or Google Pay, making it especially convenient for visitors or occasional riders.

“Transit App has a universal appeal,” Cortright added. “You can use it here in Spokane or in hundreds of other cities. It’s another way we’re making transit easier, more reliable, and more connected for everyone.”