While the new bus routes have been causing stress for many local commuters, one student has designed a solution to end the confusion. Tornike Natsvlishvili’s answer to the occasionally mystifying bus schedules has not been to petition for a return to the previous bus routes. Instead, Natsvlishvili created an application for Android cell phones that helps travelling students figure out bus arrival times faster.

Called GryPhone, the app allows the student to use their keypad to click on the bus route that they are planning to take, and shows them where the bus is on the route. Unlike the Next Bus service offered by Guelph Transit, the user does not need to call the Guelph Transit phone number or remember the specific code for each stop that they may use.

“I’ve simplified the process as much as possible,” said Natsvlishvili. “Two clicks and you see where the bus is and when it will come. You can also see your own location with the GPS.”

However, GryPhone isn’t just beneficial for students taking the bus. The app has many features specifically designed for University of Guelph students.

“GryPhone includes functions like the University library search, access to your class schedule, plus notifications of when your classes are starting, and all the news and events concerning the University,” said Natsvlishvili. The GPS also allows students to see a map of the campus as well as their location on the map.

Natsvlishvili’s inspiration for the application came from his own experience as a student.

 “I created the app on my own, using my own ideas about which features I wanted to have access to,” said Natsvlishvili. Finding it hard to look up information about upcoming events and news from the university home page, he decided to bring all the features of university life together in a streamlined package.

Although the application is currently only available for the Android mobile system, Natsvlishvili plans to expand first to Apple phones, and then to Blackberries. He is also open to feedback about the app.

“So far, these are the features that I’ve come up with,” said Natsvlishvili. “But if I get good reviews and input about the application, I will incorporate more options for students.”

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