Reimagining Public Transit

Enhancing the Corvallis Transit experience through community rewards and service design.

Project Summary

Public transportation is most effective when it becomes a convenient and rewarding part of everyday life. While Corvallis Transit System already offers free bus service, our team recognized an opportunity to increase rider engagement by creating a stronger connection between public transportation and the local community.

We proposed a redesigned transit app with a QR code–based rewards program that lets riders earn points for each trip and redeem them at participating local businesses. To support the launch, we also developed updated branding, an accessible app interface, community partnerships, and a pop-up marketing event outside Fred Meyer.

The Challenge

Although Corvallis Transit System already offers free transportation, affordability alone does not guarantee continued ridership. The challenge was to make transit feel more rewarding, connected, and valuable to the community.

To address this, we looked beyond the app and considered the full transit experience. By combining digital tools, local business partnerships, and marketing touch points, we explored how transit could become something riders actively want to engage with.

My Role

  • Developed the overall brand identity and messaging

  • Helped define the user experience strategy

  • Designed the visual identity and reward program branding

  • Contributed to app concept development

  • Collaborated on marketing and community engagement strategy

Design

Opportunity

We recognized that the existing transit experience ended once a rider stepped off the bus. By extending the experience through community rewards, local partnerships, and a modern digital interface, we saw an opportunity to transform every trip into an interaction that benefits both riders and businesses.

Key Design Principles

  • Reward everyday transit use by connecting riders with local businesses.

  • Encourage long-term behavior change through incentives instead of penalties.

  • Ensure the redesigned experience remains usable for people of varying abilities through simplified navigation and accessibility features.

  • Reduce friction through real-time tracking, intuitive navigation, and QR code scanning.

From Strategy to Solution

Problem:

Low incentive to regularly choose transit.

Opportunity:

Reward consistent riders.

Solution:

QR code rewards program.

Problem:

Limited community engagement.

Opportunity:

Partner with local businesses

Solution:

Redeemable reward marketplace.

Problem:

Existing app felt outdated

Opportunity:

Modernize the experience

Solution:

Redesign interface with accessibility improvements & live tracking.

Final Solution

Expected Impact

  • Increase public transit adoption

  • Strengthen local business partnerships

  • Improve accessibility

  • Build stronger community engagement

  • Create a more rewarding rider experience

Reflection

This project challenged me to think beyond interface design and consider the broader service ecosystem surrounding public transportation. Rather than designing a standalone app, I learned how branding, community partnerships, accessibility, and digital experiences can work together to influence behavior and create long-term value. It reinforced that successful design isn't just about solving one problem—it's about creating systems that benefit people, organizations, and the communities they serve.