GoBus Launches New Mobile App Enabling Customers to Manage Their Trips and Track the Bus in Real-Time
August 5, 2021
GOBUS
GoBus
announces its new app is live and free to download in the Google Play Store
or Apple App Store. Searchable under the name GoBus Transit, the app helps existing GoBus customers with trip planning, real-time bus tracking, and fare payments.
Download the App
One of the central focuses of the GoBus app for both the agency and riders is flexibility. By using the app, customers will benefit from more accurate wait times and save time planning trips at their convenience.
"GoBus Transit is excited to launch a mobile app for iPhone and Android users, which brings added convenience to the citizens of East Texas. Citizens requested a mobile app, and we delivered! This digital tool is a game-changer for our riders because it takes all the guesswork out of planning a transit trip. In addition to real-time tracking, the app will allow passengers to pay for their fares. GoBus Transit is dedicated to safe, reliable, and friendly transit options while leveraging technology to bring innovative solutions to the citizens of East Texas," said ETCOG Transportation Director Vince Huerta.
For first-time app users, customers need to call GoBus dispatch at 800-590-3371 to get their account set up. The app is available for download at www.gobustransit.com/gobus-mobile-app. Watch the video above to learn how to use the app when booking a trip.
GoBus has about 30 vehicles on the road making between 500 and 800 trips a day, Monday - Friday, in the 10,000 square mile ETCOG region. GoBus provides demand/response service, taking customers where they need to go, such as work, school, grocery store, or medical trips. Fares are currently suspended but return on September 1
and are $2 for each one-way trip and $1 for each additional stop.
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ETCOG is pleased to announce the return of Palestine’s Seasonal Transit Service, operated by GoBus and partially funded by Visit Palestine. This free evening and weekend shuttle will run from November 14 through December 28, helping residents and visitors enjoy holiday festivities across the city, including trips to the Texas State Railroad. Whether you're heading to a local event, staying at one of the area’s hotels, or exploring downtown, GoBus makes it easy to get around. The flex route service includes scheduled stops at all major hotels and downtown destinations, and can also stop at other locations along the route upon request. Each shuttle is handicap accessible and operated by highly trained ETCOG drivers, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for all passengers. This seasonal service is designed to support community engagement and tourism during the holidays, making it easier for everyone to participate in Palestine’s festive offerings. To learn more about the route or view the schedule, visit www.gobustransit.com/palestine-seasonal-service.
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is proud to announce the grand opening of its new GoBus Maintenance Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 13, at 2:00 PM. The celebration will take place at the new facility, located directly behind ETCOG’s headquarters at 3800 Stone Road in Kilgore, and the public is invited to attend. This new $3.3 million facility, funded by the Federal Transit Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation, represents a major step forward for the GoBus program. With two work bays, a dedicated wash bay, training rooms, and expanded fleet parking, the facility will serve as the home base for both GoBus administrative and maintenance teams. “This facility allows us to take a more proactive approach to vehicle maintenance and safety,” said Vince Huerta, ETCOG Transportation Director. “Having the ability to complete repairs in-house means we can get vehicles back on the road faster and continue delivering safe, reliable transportation services.” The GoBus program provides public transit service across ETCOG’s 14-county region. By investing in in-house maintenance, ETCOG will be able to improve efficiency, conduct more thorough inspections, and reduce repair turnaround times—all while keeping service reliable for East Texas riders. Community members, partners, and stakeholders are encouraged to join ETCOG staff for the ribbon-cutting and facility tour. The event not only celebrates the opening of a new building but also marks an investment in the future of regional transit and the people who rely on it every day.
The GoBus Service Expansion Pilot Programs are proving to be a major success, helping connect more people to the places they need to go. Launched earlier this year, GoBus added additional routes in several counties and the new GoNOW microtransit service in Palestine, which has already boosted ridership and expanded travel options for residents across the region. ETCOG's Transportation Director, Vince Huerta, shared that the frequency of service from rural areas into nearby cities has increased by an average of 75 percent in the participating counties. In Palestine, the GoNOW microtransit service has grown ridership by 22 percent within its first few months. “These are just a few of the measurable ways Service Expansion funds are directly benefiting our communities,” Huerta said. “Transportation isn’t just about mobility. It’s a lifeline for people to maintain independence, access medical care, secure jobs, and stay connected.” The pilot programs have made immediate impacts in Henderson, Anderson, Cherokee, Camp, Upshur, Harrison, Marion, and Van Zandt counties. Residents now have new or expanded routes into larger cities such as Tyler and Longview, more frequent connections, and local microtransit options. Community surveys and rider requests pointed to a need for more reliable connections to jobs, healthcare, and essential services. The Service Expansion Program is helping close those gaps and strengthen the entire 14-county region. Huerta also recognized the support of TxDOT staff in making the pilot projects a reality. “Our TxDOT Public Transportation Coordinator, Nancy Hoehn, has been an essential part of making these programs successful, and we are grateful for her ongoing commitment and support,” he said. GoBus will continue to monitor ridership, gather community feedback, and review performance to determine next steps. For more information about routes, schedules, and GoBus services, visit www.gobustransit.com or call 903-218-6450 .
