OC Transpo’s iPhone app will be ready in about a month and an Android App is expected a few months later ‘ but there are challenges with a BlackBerry app, according to Ottawa city staff.

Coun. Stephen Blais asked staff why they decided to develop a BlackBerry app last out of the major smartphone platforms ‘  since many civil servants with a government-issued BlackBerry ride the bus.

They also have a tougher time using OC Transpo’s mobile website than other smartphone users, according to Blais, who said, “The BlackBerry browser sucks, so the BlackBerry needs an app.”

City technology manager Robert Delage said the city will have to speak to all the federal government departments because each manages their IT policy differently.

Delage said developing for the BlackBerry is also more difficult because the different models require different apps.

“I don’t understand these excuses,” said Blais. “I really don’t.”

Blais said he would be concerned there would be a delay, but city staff assured him that everything is on track to release an app for selected BlackBerry models by mid-summer.