Innovation in Transportation

Today marks the first working day of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). They've already begun their efforts to communicate with the public with a twitter feed and a new website. I first learned about this through a WBUR segment and soon investigated this new push to reform the ailing state of transportation. What struck me was this line:

"The state law governing the formation of MassDOT calls for board members with actual transportation, planning, and engineering experience."

That makes sense though I find it reasonable that the new board would have members from the Turnpike and MBTA boards. How else can we ensure a smooth transition and collaboration between the two entities.

Now in honor of this occasion, I decided to put together all the new and innovative efforts put forth by MassDOT.

Let's start with this visualization and application challenge. The MBTA has provided fare gate data (taps at the T stations) and fare Box data (taps on Bus, Green line trolleys) to help developers create applications and visualizations of this information that is of use to T riders. More specifically a "day in the life of" theme. Although the data is for one day, it gives insight into the potential of creatively displaying data. I'm excited to see the winner as well as the various entries. This might provide some good ideas.

Next we have the iPhone application, OpenMBTA. Now this simply downloads the bus and subway schedule onto your phone (so in theory any web accessible phone can get this info). Of course, a more useful application would use real-time arrival data which is more useful to the rider.

Finally, MassDOT has put together a developers conference on Nov 14th to bring together folks to exchange ideas on new innovative developments for transportation. This is the kind of collaboration and brainstorming we need to create a more efficient and effective transportation plan. Also it would be more useful to make all the data available to the public rather than keeping it in house where staff don't have the time to do anything useful with it.

Of course, time will tell how well MassDOT is in bringing real reform to how we move MA forward.