TapPATS
Real-time bus arrival information for the Stanford Marguerite using NFC technology and GPS
How much time do I have until the next Shopping Express bus? Did it just leave or are there still a few minutes to wait? The TapPATS app gives you real-time information about when the next buses will be arriving at a specific stop.
- Get the free TapPATS app at the Android Marketplace.
- View sample screenshots
- Coming soon: TapPATS for iPhone!
GPS and NFC functionality for Android smartphones
- GPS (all Android 2.2 phones and up): Let the app locate the closest stops to you.
- NFC-enabled Android phones (Current models include: Samsung Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S II (T-Mobile); more models are being added and this list may not be complete): Touch your phone against the TapPATS badge at a Marguerite bus stop.
What is NFC?
NFC, or Near Field Communication, is a new technology that allows you to interact with the environment around you simply by placing your phone against NFC readers, tags or other NFC-enabled phones. A list of NFC-enabled phones (external site)
Enabling NFC on your device
To check if you have NFC enabled on an Android device (please check your user manual for other devices):
Go to ‘Settings’ and find your ‘Wireless & networks’ screen. In ‘Wireless & networks’ scroll down until you see ‘NFC’. The little box should have a green check mark in it.
To read the TapPATS badge
With NFC capability activated, follow these instructions to get real-time bus information.
- Unlock your phone.
- Place it against the TapPATS badge.
- If you don’t have the TapPATS app you’ll be taken to the Android Marketplace to download the app. If you already have the app, you’ll see information about when the next buses are arriving.
TapPATS app sample screenshots
"Home" screen
"Current stop" screen
"Favorites" screen
TapPATS is powered by
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Phone: 650.723.9362. Fax: 650.724.8676. Email: transportation@stanford.edu