The City of Hamilton is working toward a test run of a new phone app that tells commuters exactly when the next bus will roll up to their location.

The new app - called BusTap - could be ready for a test in downtown Hamilton in about a month, say its software developers.

The BusTap technology works similar to a credit card tap at the supermarket checkout counter, said Nathan Jervis, one of the two Hamilton men behind the app.

"We thought it would be cool," said Jervis, technical director of BusTap. "You already have the HSR call-in line. We thought this would be the next logical step."

Users of the app would tap their phone on a small sign at HSR stops and get connected with the city's transit website, including real-time information about city buses.

The cost for the user will be free if they have a data plan and only a penny or two for those who don't, says Jervis.

He and business director Kevin Archibald are scheduled to meet next week with Ward 2 Coun. Jason Farr and HSR director of transit David Dixon.

Archibald is hoping for a trial run of about 100 bus stops throughout downtown and at the MacNab Street transit station.

"That's the great advantage of this," he said. "You'll know exactly what's going on with your bus. You'll know if you have time to pop into Tim Hortons."

Farr said he's excited about a test run, which he hopes will happen soon.

The downtown councillor said some projects get bogged down in funding issues and red tape but the BusTap proposal "is as easy as slapping on a sticker."

It will also be simple for the city to track how many transit riders are using it, he said.

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He hopes if the trial goes as planned, BusTap can be expanded across the city.

Farr also said the project is possible after the city's decision last year to release real-time GPS locations of buses.

The cost of the test run will be between $500 and $700, he said.