In addition to a new, clean look, one of the vital improvements to the website is that it will be fully responsive. This means that whether a visitor to the website is on their desktop, tablet, or smartphone, they will see a website sized to their device, but with the same content. This eliminates the need to update content on multiple websites and creates a better user experience. The website has also been thoroughly vetted for ADA functionality, checking off all boxes for the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) including use of color, audio controls, and the ability to resize text.
As part of the redesign process, content was reviewed to ensure its accuracy, a custom scheduling feature was programmed to provide an interactive solution for trip planning, and a stakeholder group comprised of NCTD staff, Board Members, and ADA community members was formed to offer opinions, ideas, and solutions. Throughout the process, the stakeholder group was consulted and given opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions.
“As a member of the stakeholder group and a transit rider, I had the opportunity to offer suggestions for ways the new website might be improved to become a tool transit riders can navigate with ease,” said NCTD Board Member, Jewel Edson. “The new website is much improved; it is welcoming with a simple layout that offers one-click solutions at every turn.”
On March 15, 2019, NCTD opened the beta version of the website for testing and comment by the public. The website received many reviews and scored a very positive 4.35 out of 5 stars including remarks praising the functional features, ease of access and navigation, and appealing design.
“With over 10 million passengers riding our services and hundreds of thousands of visits to our website each year, this new website is sure to be a welcome update to our customers, and an example for other transit agencies to follow,” said NCTD Board Member, Dave Druker.
Through a competitive bidding process with many proposals, NCTD contracted with Pavlov Advertising LLC in 2018 to design the new website. In the near future, NCTD will be launching other technologies to complement the new website including real-time bus and train information, a customer relationship management system to enhance rider communication opportunities, and an online payment and reservation system for LIFT ADA paratransit riders.
NCTD invites you to explore the new website and provide feedback. The new website can be found at GoNCTD.com.