November 2008

Is public transportation always greener?

November 29, 2008

Just in time for Thanksgiving, Slate discusses the findings of a recent study from the University of California  – Berkeley that compares the environmental impacts of driving and public transportation. When we typically think of the environmental impact of driving, we focus on the energy and emissions associated with moving a car, say, 30 miles. [...]

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Bad news travels fast, courtesy of the MTA

November 26, 2008

Starting Tuesday, transit riders in New York City can sign up for customized text or email alerts about service disruptions. The alerts cover the subway system, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, and all buses operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City and on Long Island.  Alerts will also be available for the [...]

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User-accessible crime tracking

November 26, 2008

UCrime documents crimes on major University campuses, and displays them on a map by categories. Users of the site can report crimes too. Transit agencies could possibly use such a site to track crimes at its stations and routes and plan accordingly for security (e.g. increase security at the most frequent crime locations). See an example for one university

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Places and Networks: New research report released

November 25, 2008

The University of Minnesota has released Places and Networks: The Changing Landscape of Transportation and Technology. The report summarizes the findings of the STAR-TEA 21 project.  Sections of the report focus on modeling techniques, the impact of the Internet on travel decisions, how technology can affect travel time, and related policy issues.  Download the report [...]

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ECAT’s all a-twitter

November 25, 2008

Escambia County Area Transit launched a social media campaign to keep its riders in the loop.

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Metro launches inauguration website

November 24, 2008

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority launched a special Inauguration Day website.  The page will include service updates, security details, parking information, and press releases.   Users can sign up for special eAlerts related to inaugural activities.  Information is also available about special commemorative farecards and passes.  Go to Inauguration Day website.

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iPhone update includes better maps

November 22, 2008

“The latest iPhone 2.2 software update brings welcome additions to Maps and thoughtful improvements to Safari and iTunes. The biggest thing is the upgrade to Maps, which can now factor in walking and transit routes when you plug in a destination. Previously, you just got driving directions, which in San Francisco, with all of its [...]

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Parking rates in San Francisco could be set by demand

November 20, 2008

San Francisco is testing a program to set parking rates at meters and city-owned lots by demand.  The 18-month pilot program, called SFpark, will track parking use with sensors embedded in the pavement and space monitors deployed in lots.   As part of the project, the city will install parking meters that allow people to pay [...]

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Federal dollars for IT transportation programs

November 20, 2008

Federal Computer Week identified some of the federal programs that fund transportation-related information technology improvements.  Link to story in FCW.

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Just charge it: CTA to offer smart cards

November 19, 2008

“In a society addicted to buying on credit, the Chicago Transit Authority is hoping to cash in big time.  A “smart” version of those credit cards and bank debit cards stuffed in your wallet will be accepted for payment of CTA bus and train fares in about a year…The card, which will contain a computer [...]

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