South Bend Transpo

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Transpo desktop home page
Transpo desktop interior page
Transpo tablet home page
Transpo mobile home page

Client: South Bend Public Transportation Corporation (Transpo)
Platform: Custom WordPress Development
Project Goals: Improved Service Discovery, Enhanced Rider Tools, Accessibility, and Mobile-Friendly Design

Project Overview

South Bend Transpo, which serves over 1.5 million passengers annually across South Bend and Mishawaka, Indiana, sought a modernized website to better serve its growing ridership. The project aimed to enhance accessibility, simplify navigation, and offer new digital tools that would elevate the rider experience. After a competitive RFP process in 2022, Red Elephant Digital Media was selected to redesign the website, replacing the outdated 2013 version with a sleek, mobile-friendly solution built on WordPress.

Meeting the Needs of South Bend & Mishawaka Riders

Designed with city residents, Notre Dame students, and visitors in mind, the new South Bend Transpo website provides an all-in-one digital hub for navigating public transportation. With tools like the Trip Planner and mobile ticketing, the website enhances the rider experience while promoting accessibility and convenience.

Key Features & Enhancements

  • Improved Trip Planner with Google Maps Integration
    The new trip planning tool, integrated with Google Maps, allows riders to easily plan their bus journeys with accurate and real-time data, making it easier for passengers to navigate the city’s public transportation network.
  • Mobile Ticketing and E-Commerce for Bus Passes
    Riders can now purchase bus passes directly on the website through a seamless WooCommerce integration. In addition, a link to the Token Transit mobile ticketing app allows passengers to access their tickets on the go.
  • Rider Alerts for Route Changes
    A critical feature of the new website is the Rider Alerts functionality, located in the website’s header. This alert system notifies riders of any detours, schedule changes, or service disruptions for each route. The alerts are highly visible, ensuring that passengers have the most up-to-date information before starting their trips.
  • Employee Portal
    A secure employee portal was developed for Transpo staff, providing access to important resources like work schedules, HR forms, and internal communication. Employees can log in to this private section, ensuring they have access to necessary tools wherever they are.
  • Accessibility and Translation Services
    A robust accessibility widget was added to improve the experience for users with disabilities, along with multi-language translation options to accommodate non-English-speaking riders.
  • Enhanced Job Listings and Online Applications
    The improved careers module now features an open job listing board with an integrated online application process, making it easier for job seekers to apply for positions directly through the website.
  • Optimized Bus Route Schedules
    Each bus route page now features a clean and user-friendly layout, ensuring riders can quickly access the latest schedules for their preferred routes. Bus tracking features are prominently displayed, offering real-time updates on route statuses.

Design & Branding Alignment

The new design not only reflects South Bend Transpo’s commitment to modernizing public transportation but also provides an intuitive experience for both riders and employees. The website is fully responsive, offering a seamless browsing experience across mobile and desktop devices. The design focuses on highlighting the ease of using public transport in South Bend and Mishawaka, connecting students, residents, and visitors with the services they need.

Technical Specifications

The website is powered by WordPress with custom design and development tailored to South Bend Transpo’s specific needs. WooCommerce was integrated for e-commerce functionality, and Google Maps was embedded to power the trip planner. The CMS is easy for Transpo employees to manage and update on a daily basis, allowing them to keep riders informed with minimal effort.

Ongoing Partnership

South Bend Transpo continues to benefit from the website’s modern functionality and user-friendly design. With advanced hosting solutions in place, the website offers reliable performance to handle the high traffic of daily visitors.