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5 Mobile Apps for getting around Austin and Beyond!

Date Posted: Fri, Nov 29 2013, Examiner.com
How do you get around Austin? Whether it’s by bus, train or car, there are iPhone and Android apps that can make things a bit easier. You can review schedules, find parking spaces, reserve cars or even get a designated driver — all right from your phone.

1. Transit App

Transit App works with Capital Metro and provides routes and schedules for getting around Austin using public transportation. Users can view schedules, save favorites and look at routes on a map. According to the Transit App website, including Austin, Houston and Dallas, the free app works in 49 cities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and France. Note, users in the outlying suburbs need to manually set Austin instead of using their GPS locations. The app is available for Android and iOS operating systems.

2. TripMate Austin Lite

TripMate Austin Lite includes Capital Metro bus and train schedules to help riders plan their trips. It is accessible with or without a data connection through small files stored on users’ phones. The free app features predictive search, routes and schedules, stops, real-time departures and trip details. With the optional Barcode Scanner download, users can scan QR codes at stops to review departure information. There is also a paid version available for $1.98, which features favorite routes and stops as well as nearby search. The app is available for Android phones only, and more details can be found on the TripMate Austin website.

3. car2go

Do you use car2go? The app is available in Austin and other cities served by the car2go service. Users can display the available cars, parking spots and charging stations closest to them on a map or in list view and are able to review detailed car information and make reservations. The free app is available for download on Android and iOS devices.

4. BeMyDD

The BeMyDD app enables users to utilize the company’s designed driver service. In order to access it, users have to set up an account — a 30-day trial is free and one-year access is $25. Personal driver and pickup services can be reserved through the app to schedule professionally dressed, prescreened and insured drivers. Per the BeMyDD website, the app serves cities across the U.S., including Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. Services are available online, via iPhone or Android phones or by calling 877-U-BEMYDD.

5. Best Parking

Parking downtown can be frustrating. The Best Parking app helps drivers find parking garages and lots, view pricing and locations on a map, and access details like hours, phone numbers, payment options and types of parking available. Including Austin, the app serves 100 cities and 115 airports in North America, according to the Best Parking website. The free app is available on iPhone, Android and Blackberry phones, and a Best Parking mobile site is also available. The paid version is $2.99 with features including photos, directions and current location searches.

What are your experiences with these apps? Are there others you like to use? Respond in the comments section below.