There’s probably one last trip to the beach or Niagara Falls left in us before summer officially winds down. GO Transit has developed an app for travelers in conjunction with students from Ryerson that is helpful to those needing to use public transit for their trip, regardless of how far they are going.

This free app, available for Android, BlackBerry and iOS, is not new, but it is worth the download.

This app is simple and user friendly, even for those like me who are not used to traveling with GO. From the home page, users can find the next departures from Union and their platforms, avoiding the need to stand in front of the multitude of televisions around Union Station. You can save routes as your favourites for future use and create alerts so you have the chance to catch a breath or get a quick bite to eat before hopping on your train or bus.

This app also allows for user feedback that appears to go directly to GO Transit. In addition, there is a quick tips function that acts as an informal FAQ section. The questions featured here cover the most basic questions about the app and describes how to use certain functions.

The app could stand to allow users the ability to purchase tickets directly. For those who use preloaded Presto cards, GO should continue to make it a seamless transition and transaction by allowing these users to tap their phones on the card readers or scan their cards using their phone. Maybe Presto users can preload their information onto the app?

The app could also use a news or alerts section when issues arise or seasonal services are ending. If I’m heading out and my train leaving Union is cancelled, it would be great to get that notice via the app.

Overall, the app is easy to use and will help you get to where you need to go to enjoy that last break before summer ends.

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Rob Kirsic writes the App of the Week column for Toronto Standard. Follow him @robertkirsic.

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