You can now get real-time bus arrival data from TARC, meaning that perhaps you won't rush to a bus stop only to find that it's delayed.Similar mapping built by others has already been available.TARC's version is available through its online trip-planner and Google Maps. “These kind of tools take the guesswork and frustration out of waiting for a bus," TARC director Barry Barker said in a statement. " For thousands of passengers, it will mean less time standing at a stop and more time to finish some work or grab a cup of coffee.”But the city wants to take the data further. On Friday, Metro Louisville innovation chief Ted Smith challenged developers to create a smartphone app (or something else) using the real-time data that makes TARC's real-time map function. The city is offering as much as $1,000 in prize money for the challenge.To be specific, the competition is looking for an app (or something) that helps people to get Louisville's dining and shopping districts using public transportation.“Any dining/retail establishment, I’m sure, would appreciate the patronage," Smith said on Friday. "And, let our citizens see that public transit is a way to get there.”If you want to enter the competition, you can contact Smith at (502) 574-6803 or gtfshelp@ridetarc.org.
