Friending Transit: How Public Transit Agencies Are Using Social Media to Expand Their Reach and Improve Their Image

With only 13 percent of Americans buying a daily paper, public transit agencies are depending more and more on social media to reach current and potential riders. This author says the benefits of using social media include the ability to: communicate directly, without relying on reporters; communicate in real time, such as tweeting riders when delays occur; create an interactive dialogue with customers and others; and, cut costs associated with traditional forms of advertising. The author explains how Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has adopted Twitter, and points out the importance of having somebody with the ability to commit the time to write updates and respond to messages. Other transit agencies like Houston Metro have committed to a regular interactive blog, while the Greater Bridgeport Transit System uses Facebook.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1794668
• Authors:
  • Eirkis, Denis
  • Eirkis, Mark
• Publication Date: 2010-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 32-37
• Serial:
  • Mass Transit
  • Publisher: Cygnus Publishing, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0364-3484
  • Serial URL: http://www.masstransitmag.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Public information programs; Social media; Transit operating agencies
• Candidate Terms: Social networking
• Identifier Terms: Facebook; Twitter
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01152721
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 18 2010 10:29AM