Jean Leier 704-432-0496
press@google.com
GOOGLE MAKES GETTING AROUND CHARLOTTE JUST A CLICK AWAY
Charlotte, N.C., March 27, 2009 şu Planning your commute around Charlotte is now just a click away with the introduction of CATS routes on Google Transit. This Web 2.0 program integrates the power of Google Maps along with CATS route information. ¡°Want to go to the airport, to dinner, to work everyday - Google Transit, integrated with CATS route information, makes it hassle free and convenient via the internet or a web-enabled cell phone¡±, said Olaf Kinard, Director of Marketing and Communications for CATS.
Google Transit is available from CATS homepage where start planning your trip with a specific address or name of a destination. Google Transit Trip Planner enables you to enter the specifics of your trip¡ªwhere you¡¯re starting, where you¡¯re ending up, what time of day you¡¯d like to leave and/or arrive¡ªthen uses all available CATS route information to plot out the most efficient possible routes including a step-by-step itinerary.
Google Transit integrates all the features of Google Maps, including the local search feature. This means that you don't need to know the exact address of where you're going -- instead you can enter a business name like "Tom's Pizza" or a category like "pizza". You then enter the date and time that you hope to arrive and the trip planner will provide three options on CATS routes. It shows the travel time, number of transfers, and lets you easily select the most
convenient trip. Google Maps can also provide walking directions, so you can find out exactly how to get to the nearest transit stop or station, and how to get to your destination once you leave the train/bus. You can also access the information from a mobile phone such as an iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, or other Java enabled phones via Google Maps
¡°As part of Google¡¯s commitment to develop useful public-private partnerships, we are pleased to welcome CATS to Google Transit. This partnership shows CATS¡¯ commitment to innovations, serving their customer and attracting new riders,¡± said Jessica Wei, Strategic Partner Development Manager at Google.
Google Transit supports output of results in 40 languages and the output is compatible with screen readers for visually impaired riders. ¡°As more and more people ride CATS and use web-enabled phones, the integration of CATS routes with Google Transit makes getting around the Charlotte region easier,¡± Kinard said. CATS incurred no additional cost to implement this Web 2.0 system. To learn more about CATS and its trip planning services, log on to www.ridetransit.org or call 704-336-RIDE (7433).
