Exciting transit innovation and solutions

SAN ANTONIO (Feb. 28, 2018) – VIA Metropolitan Transit announced the winning team for the 2nd Annual VIA GoCodeSA Codeathon. Husband-wife team Ronnie and Jessica Rocha (pictured above with VIA Vice President of Technology Steve Young and VIA President and CEO Jeff Arndt), called “Rocket Tiers,” took this year’s top honors. They designed an app that plans a round trip on the bus system based on a certain activity that a rider wishes to do, such as dining, shopping, and exploring. It also provides an estimated travel time.

The Codeathon, a partnership event designed to bring together the best coders, designers, and tech minds in the area, took place from Feb. 23 – 25, 2018, and was held at Trinity University’s Center for the Sciences and Innovation (CSI). The Codeathon offered coders an opportunity to compete for cash and prizes as they turned bright transit ideas into potential transit innovation for our region. The event drew 75 participants who powered through 48 hours of innovative thinking, with fantastic results.

Participants selected work on a provided challenge, but were not limited to them. Projects were judged on impact, innovation, and technical achievement. Exclusive VIA data sets were offered to more than 100 registered participants prior to the event. It’s free for participants who will compete for cash and prizes, based on their work. Codeathon teams can work on any type of project, such as web apps, mobile apps, wearable solutions, data visualizations, algorithms, or visual mock-ups. Challenges, data sets, and other resources were posted to GoCodeSA.com, and focus on public transportation.

GoCodeSA Codetahon platinum sponsors included Amazon Web Services, Codeup, Dell, Geekdom, IBM, Netsync Network Solutions, Trapeze, Trinity University, and USAA.

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About VIA Metropolitan Transit
VIA provides regional multimodal transportation options that connect our community to opportunity, support economic vitality, and enhance quality of life throughout our region. VIA, recognized by the Texas Transit Association in 2016 as the outstanding Metro Transit Authority of the year, serves 14 member cities and the unincorporated areas of Bexar County, operating seven days a week on 92 routes. Last year, VIA provided nearly 40 million rides across the region. VIA’s AAA bond rating reflects the organization’s sound management and financial practices. Visit VIAinfo.net for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.‬

CONTACT: Lorraine Pulido, Ph.D.
c 210-380-6895