Tech & Innovation
App Developed in Oakville Helps Seniors Navigate Public Transit
A team of local developers has launched a user-friendly app to help seniors in Halton Region plan bus trips, track arrival times, and request assistance in real time.
By Liam Campbell | 2025-08-26 11:32
Navigating public transportation can be intimidating for many seniors, but a new Oakville-made app is aiming to change that. Called EasyRide, the app provides real-time transit updates and simple step-by-step guidance designed with older adults in mind.
The idea came from local software developer Dhiren Malik after watching his mother struggle to understand transit schedules posted at bus shelters. “The information is there, but the format isn’t accessible,” he said. “We wanted to take the guesswork out of it.”
Malik teamed up with two other developers and a retired accessibility consultant to prototype the app, which now supports Halton Region transit routes. It uses a clean interface with large icons, voice navigation, and simple prompts that help users find the right stop, track arrival times, and request driver assistance.
EasyRide was beta tested over the summer at two Oakville retirement communities. Residents praised the app’s simplicity and the confidence it gave them to travel independently. “I took the bus to the library by myself for the first time in years,” said 78-year-old Elaine Hunter.
Beyond trip planning, the app includes a feature called “Help Me Board,” which sends a silent alert to the driver that a rider may need extra time or support. Drivers receive these notifications via their onboard tablets and can adjust boarding protocols accordingly.
Oakville Transit officials have applauded the initiative and are exploring a broader partnership. “This aligns with our goal of making transit more inclusive,” said operations director Melinda Cruz. “Digital tools like this are a big part of that future.”
The app is currently free and available for iOS and Android. Funding for initial development came from a local innovation grant and private donations. The creators are now working with Sheridan College’s design program to refine its interface even further.
Workshops are being offered at community centres and libraries, where volunteers help seniors download and navigate the app. Many younger family members have also begun introducing EasyRide to their parents and grandparents as a way to encourage independence.
“It’s not just about the tech,” said Malik. “It’s about dignity. Mobility is freedom, and when you restore that for someone, you’re changing more than a commute—you’re changing a life.”
The team behind EasyRide hopes to expand the app’s coverage to other regions next year, starting with Mississauga and Burlington. For now, Oakville seniors are leading the way in showing that smart tools can make public spaces more equitable for all.