Dayra Gonzalez 
Mariajose Garza/THE RIDER
UTRGV Department of Parking and Transportation announced the transition from the Ride Systems app to TransLoc.
The new app will allow students and staff to plan their rides more easily with real-time tracking, instant notifications and updated shuttle information.
The transition began Sunday, and the app became fully available for official use today.
Maribel Contreras, director of Transportation Services, said the update will help riders follow buses more efficiently.
“With the TransLoc app, you’re able to track the bus in real time, get alerts and updates on our services, and view arrivals and stops,” Contreras said. “You can also get information on other transit partners within the area that provide transportation.”
The switch comes after TransLoc acquired Ride Systems earlier this year.
According to Rodney Gomez, executive director of Parking and Transportation Services, the transition is part of the company’s updates.
“TransLoc serves many communities across the U.S.,” Gomez said. “Because they’re a larger company with more resources, we expect to see improvements and updates to the app over time.”
For students who depend on the shuttle, the app could ease their time-scheduling.
Lorraine Pedraza, a film senior, rides the shuttle every day to Edinburg. She said tracking in real time will make her ride easier.
“Sometimes the bus is late, and you don’t know where exactly it is,” Pedraza said. “So, it’d be good to know.”
Mechanical engineering senior Brandon Aranda, also a daily rider, agreed the app will improve confidence in the service.
“It would make me a bit more confident in the shuttle overall,” Aranda said.
To help students prepare for the change, the department has sent emails informing about TransLoc. Additionally, it will post on its social media a video on how to download and use the app.
For questions about the TransLoc app, students can contact transportation@utrgv.edu, or through the department’s website or social media.
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