HAGERSTOWN – Washington County is re-introducing passenger access to real-time information on their phones with the launch of a new, improved app offering up-to-the-minute bus locations, arrival predictions and service alerts, the county transit department announced.
The Passio GO! app is an upgrade over an earlier system that was phased out due to system limitations. Officials are confident the new system, which can be downloaded free to phones from Apple’s App Store or Google Play, will deliver a seamless travel experience, making public transport safe, affordable and accessible.
“We’ve upgraded our technology and infrastructure to support a more reliable and user-friendly experience,” said transportation department spokesman Connor Shank. “Riders can now plan, track and ride without having to piece together information from multiple sources.”
Passio GO! allows users to track buses in real time, favorite specific routes or stops, and receive push notifications about delays or service changes on a user-friendly interface.
The relaunch reflects the county’s commitment to making cutting-edge technology available to better meet community needs. Developed by Passio Technologies, a national leader in transit solutions, is already in use by more than 225 transit agencies nationwide through its cloud-based, open-architecture systems.
Beyond fixed-route services, the transit department has also upgraded its paratransit operations with the introduction of Ecolane scheduling software in April 2025. This specialized service provides elderly and disabled residents qualified under the Americans with Disabilities Act with door-to-door, shared-ride transport.
Ecolane streamlines scheduling, reducing wait times for users relying on wheelchair-accessible vans or small buses. While Ecolane supports the County’s paratransit and Job Opportunity Access Program, Passio GO! focuses on the eight fixed urban routes serving areas like Funkstown, Halfway, and Williamsport.
The department’s total of 13 fixed routes covers over 500,000 miles annually, supporting approximately 400,000 passenger trips this year, a figure slightly lower than the pre-COVID peak of 516,000.
“Ridership trends have shifted post-pandemic,” Shank noted. “We’re focused on rebuilding and expanding our rider base through improved reliability and tools like Passio GO!” Transit officials are optimistic about increasing ridership, and are preparing the system with infrastructure upgrades and enhanced communication.
For county residents, these advancements promise greater convenience and accessibility. From a commuter in Maugansville to a paratransit user in Long Meadow knowing exactly when their bus will arrive, customers all around will benefit from more efficient scheduling and tracking. For more details, readers may visit www.washco-md.net/transit or contact WCT at 240-313-2750.
