ReadyPhiladelphia: OEM’s new city alert system gives SEPTA updates
Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management is implementing a new system for city alerts called ReadyPhiladelphia.
It’s a change from Philadelphia’s previous system, ReadyNotifyPA, so users will have to create a new account with ReadyPhiladelphia.
Philadelphians can receive notifications about SEPTA delays, including trains, trolleys, buses and subways — via text, email or app alerts.
SEPTA already offers its own app to keep passengers updated on its services, but it does not support push notifications although it will flash delay alerts next to the schedules of buses, trains and trolleys. Other third party apps are also available, but many, like the public transit’s app, receive mixed reviews from users.
Even though SEPTA offers its own mobile friendly system for riders to track schedules of its trains, buses, trolleys and subway lines, the transit agency’s leader is happy the city is offering its customers another option.
“ReadyPhiladelphia provides a tremendous resource for SEPTA customers to get service updates and other information they need for their daily travels,” said SEPTA general manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel. “SEPTA is thrilled to partner with the Office of Emergency Management for this initiative, and we encourage our riders to sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia notifications.”
The notifications about SEPTA could be especially useful for morning commuters, as Philadelphia’s transportation authority primarily updates its social media account with various delays.
The integration is another sign that SEPTA is looking to update its technology in preparation for its grand roll-out of SEPTA Key, which is scheduled to take place this year despite suffering prior setbacks.
ReadyPhiladelphia will also send alerts for other matters like:
- City of Philadelphia Government Closings
- Delaware River Flooding Alerts
- Emergency Alerts
- Informational Alerts
- PES Refining Complex Alerts
- Phila Prison System Community Alerts
- Philadelphia Court Closings
- Philadelphia Health Information
- Philadelphia Police Alerts
- Schuylkill River Flooding Alerts
- Weather Alerts 24×7
- Weather Alerts 7AM – 9PM
Interested residents can sign up here, where everything is customizable, including time and geography. Users can add up to five addresses, and choose whether they want alerts 24/7 or just between business hours.
[Source:- Bizjournals]