Train riders may soon have new apps to make their commutes go more smoothly.
The MTA is giving LIRR and Metro-North trip data to software developers for the first time so they can build smartphone apps to help commuters.
It comes as part of the MTA’s third app contest, which gives $ 50,000 in prizes to developers who create transit apps.
“I am proud of what we’ve done to open ourselves to the world,” said Chairman Thomas Prendergast.
The money comes from AT&T, not from the MTA’s coffers.
Developers have until Feb. 3 to come up with ideas and build them. Eight have registered so far.
The MTA is also releasing data that shows where buses have been every 30 seconds for the past three months, as well as new subway turnstile information.
The authority hopes that developers will focus on apps that share rider feedback, create real-time maps of routes and help people with sight or hearing disabilities.
Past apps that have been created for the contest include Citymapper, which combines subway, bus and bike-route info with weather and traffic data for trips.
Another, MetroNap App, woke up riders with a vibration when they reached their station.
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