Chicago Transit Authority Makes Massive Mind-Meld Technological Leap!
Posted August 12, 2011 in Curbing Pollution, Living Sustainably
Transit is critical to the Chicago region’s environment, economy, and quality of life. Blah, blah, really, I care most about this because I take the Chicago Transit Authority’s Green Line L to work every day. And I pop onto the CTA’s buses to get around town. The agency is pretty central to getting around and the thought of a city with even more congestion minus CTA is just unthinkable.
That said, transit could be better though, in lots of ways – repairs, higher frequencies, higher speeds, longer service hours, extending lines into underserved areas…the list goes on. But to be honest, what I really want is a mind-meld. Don’t give me those stupid schedules. I just want to KNOW when my bus is coming. When do I need to step out of my office to spend the minimum amount of time battling heat indexes of 110 or 40 mph winds whipping ice into my face. Is that an unreasonable thing to ask?
Actually, apparently, its not. They’ve done it.
And cheaply too!
Meet Bus Tracker and Train Tracker. Well, let’s be honest, if you’re a blog-reader, you probably met them a while ago. But there is actually still much more that can be done with it thanks to the fact that CTA has always made the data available but there is actually still much more that can be done with it thanks to the fact that CTA has always made the data available for free (I can give you link to more info on that), for software developers and app creators to play with There is also an easy way for anyone, no tech experience necessary, to make a Bus Tracker display specific to a particular location. NRDC has been helping to get the word out about this, because it means any business or building with a screen—or just your own personal computer for that matter—can serve as a free transit information kiosk, making transit easier to use for no additional cost.
As you saw in the video residential buildings have turned it into a TV channel for all of their residents, Wicker Park retail businesses display it for their customers, and one company has it visible for all their employees all the time to help make their transit commutes easier. So you know all those businesses that put LCD screens in their windows with ads for themselves? Imagine if they alternated between that and a sign that told you when the next bus or train was coming—it would help demystify transit for tourists, new residents, and those who don’t have phones to access Bus and Train Tracker…AND you might be more likely to read their ads. THAT would be a mind-meld. Everywhere I look, my train time is there. Come on Mayor Emanuel, Chicago business community, let’s make these things ubiquitous so my dream can be fulfilled.
(Actually, if you are tech-savvy and want to help make this ubiquitous, check out the Apps for Metro Chicago contest.)
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Comments
guthrum — Aug 15 2011 09:50 AM
The problem of safety has caused most people to avoid buses, rail, and other forms of inner city public transportation. Criminals, gangs, and hoods have taken over. Buses and transit centers are filled with graffiti and trash. There needs to be more security, drivers should be armed, and behavior rules must be enforced. The law abiding citizens have been forced out. Criminals are using cheap transportation to hit the suburbs with their lawlessness. City leaders will not speak out or do anything about this issue.
Josh Mogerman — Aug 15 2011 10:31 AM
guthrum---thanks for taking the time to comment. I have to say, I cannot buy into the whole city vs. suburbs dynamic though. I live in a fairly rough neighborhood on Chicago's South Side and am joined on my daily L rides by hardworking folks going to and from work. While the transit system is not immune to the broader troubles of society, I have not seen the system here overwhelmed by graffiti, trash or criminals. Quite the opposite. I've had the same experience in New York and St. Louis. Admittedly, that is a small sample size, but it nonetheless leads me to believe that the issues outlined are far from universal.