September 8, 2017 (Taunton, MA) Searching for accessible transportation options in Massachusetts just got easier and more accurate. Today, the Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) announces the launch of an enhanced search feature to the popular Ride Match website (www.massridematch.org) that utilizes Google Transit data, providing users with access to real-time transit schedules and step-by-step route information.
“We believe that access to transportation is essential for people with disabilities, the elderly, or anyone who doesn’t own a car,” said Mary Basilone, Independent Contractor for Ride Match. “Ride Match has always provided users with comprehensive information about transportation options, but this new search tool goes one step further. It provides users with exact information for all their transit trips, including route maps, directions as well as next available departure/ arrival times for bus, train or subway lines.”
“We are dedicated to empowering people throughout our local cities and towns and ensuring they are able to reach their friends, families, jobs, and opportunities that improve their quality of life,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “This new feature will better allow Massachusetts residents and visitors find the most appropriate, cost-effective, and easily accessible options for traveling to destinations across the Commonwealth.”
Funded by federal and state resources from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Ride Match is an online searchable directory that combines all public, private, community-based and non-profit transportation options in one convenient, easy-to-use online resource. Originally launched in 2012, the web-based resource is now a state-wide collaboration between GATRA, the 14 other Massachusetts Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), and MassDOT. All the information in Ride Match is supplied and maintained by the RTAs as well as other private and non-profit transportation providers throughout the state. Since its inception, over 350,000 users have accessed the Ride Match online resource to locate transportation options in their communities.