The Transit Cooperative Research Program recently released a report written by TranSystems' Vice President, Carol Schweiger, entitled, "Use and Deployment of Mobile Device Technology for Real-Time Transit Information." The content of the report prompted a meeting at the White Housewith the President of the American Public Transportation Association to discuss real-time transit information and applications. The report was used to guide the discussion and has been the subject of many other industry conversations and news topics.
Report Summary
Customer information is often a critical element of public transit authorities’ strategy not only for providing transportation services but also for encouraging and facilitating the use of these services. The expectations of riders and nonriders help define the parameters within which agencies provide information. In meeting these expectations, agencies consider that customer information must be relevant, accurate, timely, and targeted to meet a diverse number of needs that reflect their communities, and it is important that it be available in different formats by means of a wide range of dissemination media/channels. In TCRP Synthesis 68: Methods of Ridership Communication, three of the factors governing effective communication are the stage of the travel chain in which the communication is needed, the demographic characteristics of the communications recipients, and their ownership of and ability to use technology. Mobile technology, specifically mobile phones and smartphones, is one way for agencies to address these factors.
To review the full report, click here or visit TranSystems' Resource Center and conduct a search for transit related documents.