IslaGo wins Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds’ 2025 Congressional App Challenge in MP’s At-Large District

When asked what inspired the creation of IslaGo, the students said, “Many new visitors or residents of Saipan are not aware of our only public transportation service website. This problem makes us feel discouraged because of the lack of knowledge of bus arrival times. Furthermore, hearing about the difficulties expressed by users who are reliant on the system compelled us to solve it. For many, a single trip can make all the difference, such as helping students get to school, employees reach their workplaces, and families stay connected. It also supports our island’s economy by making it easier for residents and visitors to explore and access local businesses, encouraging more tourists. This is extremely important because our economy is reliant on tourism, which has been alarmingly declining. 

“Saipan’s transportation system already provides an important service, connecting our community and promoting sustainability. However, we noticed that passengers often face challenges due to the lack of real-time updates, such as the bus’s live location and accurate arrival times, which frequently leads to confusion and missed rides. Recognizing this problem, we were inspired to create IslaGo, a public transportation app designed to make commuting in Saipan more efficient and user-friendly. Our goal is to provide accurate, real-time navigation for everyone, especially tourists and new users, by showing live bus locations, updated schedules, and route information. By improving accessibility, reliability, and communication, IslaGo helps strengthen community connections while promoting inclusivity for all.”