Functional yet enfuriating
The Patco app is a solution that many fellow daily riders and I have been waiting for a long time. The designers of the interface did a nice job with the layout, and keeping things fundamentally simple/minimal which makes the app easy to use.
The information that is displayed appears to be accurate. Displaying results that a relevant to the current day and time puts the app over the top as compared to the previous methods of finding this useful information.
The part that completely blows it is the ads. Why patco? There is no paid version to upgrade to, and therefore also NO WAY TO REMOVE ADS.
This is sometimes acceptable in apps with greater novelty, complexity, or overall utility. Not here though. Its simple obtrusive and feels strangely predatory.
I cant imagine Amtrak doing this, and why would they? It only cheapens the overall experience.
But I suppose it a theme with Patco. Every conceivable surface they own is or has been covered with ads. It feels Theyd wrap the whole Ben Franklin Bridge if they could and it would get the some nice added revenue.
But really Patco, here? Would you put ads in your printed schedules?
Remove ads or offer upgrade to remove and you have yourselves a simple, useful 4-5 star app.
Right now, this is a gem coated with poo.
stopitbrian about
PATCO Schedule