Toronto, ON (April 18, 2012)- Mayor Rob Ford and Ward 17 Councillor Caesar Palacio officially launched 311 Toronto's new mobile apps today. The mobile apps capture location information and allow a picture to be included as part of the reporting process. The apps can be used to report incidents of graffiti vandalism.

These mobile apps connect directly to 311 Toronto through the Open311 API (Application Programming Interface), so no involvement from 311 Customer Service Representatives is required, making this a highly efficient way to have issues reported to 311 and to get service requests to the appropriate service division for action (e.g. Solid Waste, Transportation Services or Municipal Licensing and Standards).

"This is customer service at its best. These new apps give the public a quick and easy way to report graffiti vandalism using their smart phones," said Mayor Rob Ford.

The two apps currently being offered are the first two private sector companies that have responded to an open call to mobile app developers to participate in this initiative with the City of Toronto.

The "SeeClickFix" app is available for download on Blackberry, iPhone and Android. The "TDOT 311" app is available for iPhones only. Information about the two mobile apps and links to connect to both are available on the City of Toronto website at www.toronto.ca/open311.

The 311 Toronto Contact Centre will continue to handle requests for service over the phone, by email and through the self-serve pages of the City's website.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Media Contact: Neil Evans, Director, 311 Toronto, 416-338-7789