Belize launches its first public transport commuter application: 501 Transit

Friday, October 25, 2024, marked a groundbreaking moment for public transportation in Belize with the official launch of ‘501 Transit’, the nation’s first public transport commuter application. This innovative app, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance (MPUELE), the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport through the Department of Transport (DoT), and the Belize City Council (BCC), with funding support from the European Union (EU), will transform the commuting experience for both residents and visitors and set a new standard for reliability, safety, and efficiency in Belize’s public transport services.

“Today is a significant milestone in the modernization of Belize’s transport sector,” said Michael Lund, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative. “It is a transformative step towards integrating technology into public services by not only streamlining the commuting process but also empowering citizens by giving them greater control over their travel plans while promoting a more sustainable urban transport system.”

Key features of the 501 Transit application include

  ● Trip Planning: Users can easily plan their travel with detailed route options.

  ● Notifications Inbox: Stay updated with real-time alerts and bus updates directly on your devices.

  ● Favourites: Quickly access frequently used routes by saving them for future reference.

  ● Report Stops and Issues: Users can report any service issues, ensuring continuous improvement in public transport services.

Additionally, an operator app was integrated to facilitate communication between bus operators and the 501 Transit system. This feature enables operators to track passenger usage, provide timely updates, and gather user feedback for ongoing service improvements.

“The 501 Transit app stands as a testament to the commitment of the Department of Transport and partners dedicated to enhancing Belize’s public transportation system,” said Hon. Gilroy Usher Sr., Minister of State for the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport. “This initiative is expected to not only improve the commuter experiences but also foster a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transport sector.”

The launch was part of the E-Mobility Pilot Project, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships between the government and international organizations and fosters innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for all Belizeans while demonstrating how technology can drive social and economic development.

“The European Union enthusiastically supports this pioneering initiative which is a giant step towards advancing Belize’s digital transformation,” said Xavier Canton-Lamousse, Project Manager of the EU Technical Support Office to Belize. “Our contribution to this project demonstrates the EU’s commitment to supporting Belize’s development priorities, particularly in the areas of transportation, digitization, and climate action. This aligns well with our shared vision for a sustainable and connected future.”

The 501 Transit app has completed its beta testing phase, averaging around 870 users per day, and is now available for download on iOS and Android devices. Currently, e-bus routes are accessible through the app, but plans are to incorporate all bus operators and services in the near future.

Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBPrC6