By Jung Gatoona

Taking public transportation in the 21st century is simply amazing. With all the tools and power of today's technology being offered to you, why not take advantage and use it? Here are some of the top 21st century tools you can use to connect with Metro and gain an upper hand in using public transportation.

For Trip Planning:

Metro Trip Planner

[Visit Page]
Metro's Trip Planner, though not the most visually pleasing, is still the most reliable and trusted way to get directions to your destination.

Google Maps

[Visit Page] [Download Mobile App]
Google Maps, an alternative to Metro's Trip Planner, is much more pleasing to view with its satellite images, street view, and ability to scroll about the map. It also offers handy user submitted videos and images of the area, info on nearby stations and businesses, and upcoming departure schedules. However, one huge and current downfall is that it does not incorporate some bus lines such as the Big Blue Bus into its trip planner.

For News and Alerts:

Twitter

[Follow Metro Los Angeles] [Follow Metro Library]
With Twitter, you can follow Metro directly and have valuable news and alerts they post sent directly to your phone and/or other electronic device.

Google Alerts

[Visit Page]
Google Alerts allows you to receive the latest results from not just Metro, but from everyone on the internet. With Google Alerts, you can enter terms such as, "Metro Los Angeles," "Public Transportation LA," and have any recent content related to those key terms sent to you via email or feed.

Facebook

[Visit Page] [Download Mobile App]
With Metro's Facebook fan page, you can get get news and alerts just like their twitter page. And, in addition to getting informed, you can interact with other commuters and staff by sharing comments, pictures, links, videos, and polls.

Illustration & Photo | Jung Gatoona