Testing Begins For Ventra Smartphone App
CHICAGO (CBS) -- First there was the Ventra card--its troubled introduction enraging transit riders.
Now, testing is underway on the Ventra smartphone app. This time, the area's transit agencies are trying to ensure that the bugs are worked out before its release.
The CTA, Metra and Pace turned over the first beta version of the app to Smart Chicago's Civic User Testing Group in July. They suggested a number of improvements, including tutorials, an improved "back" button, navigation and readability improvements, making it easier to change passwords and renaming the "tracker" function and making it easier find.
Now, 300 riders are testing the second beta version and giving their feedback. CTA spokesperson Tammy Chase refuses to promise when it will be released to the general public, except that it will occur sometime this fall.
"You get one chance to make a first impression," Chase said, the sting of the Ventra card's troubled release still obvious. "You launch an app and maybe some things still don't work 100 percent well. We want to avoid that."
Two of the most-requested functions won't be available immediately.
The beta versions allow riders with the app to buy Metra tickets using Ventra card stored value or a saved credit card, and Chase says it will be included in the first phase public release. But riders won't be able to touch their phones to a CTA turnstile or bus reader to pay fares until Phase Three.
Those hoping to be able to plan trips using more than one of the area's transit agencies also have a wait; Chase promises that in the Phase Two release.