First ever iPad-powered mass transit kiosks catch a ride on CARTA

Slicker Interactive and Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority announced today the launch of the first iPad-powered mobile kiosk that gives CARTA riders a whole new perspective of Charleston.

The kiosks – installed on all twelve trolleys servicing the CARTA DASH routes - allow bus riders to interact with and search Slicker’s popular City Slicker app which is available on the iTunes App Store. The app provides users with a wealth of information about cultural sites and businesses. In addition to the interactive kiosk, the iPad powers a flat-screen monitor which displays videos and images of establishments the bus is approaching.

Some of the features these kiosks provide to bus riders include:

  • Mapping: Geolocation of the route, the stops and places of interest along the way 
  • Bus Tracker: Riders can see where the busses are related to their location 
  • Community Highlights and Helpful Hints: Educate, entertain and inform the public 
  • You can take it with you: The same information on the kiosk is available for download on a personal device

One of the champions and primary backers of the new kiosks has been Charleston Mayor Joe Riley. "I am pleased to announce that Charleston is the first city in the world to benefit from City Slicker's brand new technology. There is so much content and useful information, it will be a tremendous help and first class guide for anyone traveling in our city. The additional attraction of City Slicker is sure to be a critical step towards increasing mass transit ridership."

“CARTA is always striving to provide the best service for the Charleston area,” said CARTA Interim Executive Director Christine Wilkinson. “This addition to our DASH routes enhances the rider experience without any additional cost in fare.”

For some more information on Slicker and their interactive mobile tours of Charleston, check out this post and video review we did back in 2008. The local company had a vision on how the iPhone could be used to make the ultimate self-guided tour, and voila! Charleston City Slicker was born. Packed into the 381 MB application is a location-aware, video-rich, high-quality tour guide of historic Charleston.

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