Slide 1

MBTA-realtime Integrating predictions and alerts into one GTFS-based platform T3 Open Data Webinar, December 2013 Dave Barker, dbarker@mbta.com Manager of Operations Technology, MBTA

Slide 2

Motivation Vision Execution Results Response Lessons

Slide 3

The MBTA: Serves 175 member cities and townsServes 175 member cities and towns Carries 1.3 million passengers each weekdayCarries 1.3 million passengers each weekday Operates heavy rail, light rail, commuter rail, bus, ferry, and paratransitOperates heavy rail, light rail, commuter rail, bus, ferry, and paratransit Extensive data sharing: GTFS, realtime, moreExtensive data sharing: GTFS, realtime, more Image credit: walkingbostonian.blogspot.com

Slide 4

GTFS- realtime csv/json/ xml Bus (RealTimeBus) 2009-2012: Rapid development led to numerous feeds Bus (NextBus) Commuter rail Alerts 1.0 RSS API csv/json/ xml csv/json Heavy rail 1.0 Heavy rail 2.0 GTFS

Slide 5

Slide 6

Motivation Vision Execution Results Response Lessons

Slide 7

The MBTA-realtime vision Limited GTFS NextBus Bus locations New MBTA-realtime software New MBTA-realtime software GTFS GTFS- realtime API (NextBus) RSS (alerts only) GTFS Com.rail predictions Subway predictions Alerts thru GUI Elevator status API (XML, JSON)

Slide 8

Phase I, June 2013 Limited GTFS NextBus Bus locations New MBTA-realtime software New MBTA-realtime software GTFS (schedule only) GTFS- realtime API (XML, JSON) API (NextBus) RSS (alerts only) GTFS Com.rail predictions Subway predictions Alerts thru GUI Elevator status

Slide 9

Motivation Vision Execution Results Response Lessons

Slide 10

Technical details Designed and written by IBI Group for MBTA C# application with Microsoft SQL Server back-end on two Amazon cloud servers Based around foundation of GTFS data Alert GUI XML / JSON API, GTFS-realtime, RSS Website, subscription service

Slide 11

Todays trains (per GTFS) Alert will clear after selected train scheduled to reach destination Text generated as you make selections Alert GUI

Slide 12

Recurring alerts Details and URL

Slide 13

Developer output & outreach

Slide 14

Motivation Vision Execution Results Response Lessons

Slide 15

MBTA to Customers (SMS, email, website)

Slide 16

Developers to customers (web, apps, notification) Google Transit BOS Roadify

Slide 17

Developers to customers (web, apps, notification) Embark ProximiT

Slide 18

Motivation Vision Execution Results Response Lessons

Slide 19

Customers I want fewer alerts! I want more alerts! #1 Complaint#2 Complaint

Slide 20

Customers Positive - 30,000 subscribers - Alert detail & precision - Web page design Negative - Consistency - SMS delays - Subscriber options

Slide 21

Internal users Positive - Simple alerts are easy - Having accurate lists of trips, stops - Ability to review user actions Negative - Complex alerts are hard - Many audiences to consider at once (Alerts vs. website, email vs. SMS) - Some repetitive actions

Slide 22

Developers Positive - 100+ have registered to develop (!) - 30 of 65 polled Plan to release app - Alerts integrated quickly into some of the most popular apps Negative - RSS feed good enough for many - Many holding off until phase II (real-time) - No T-Alert service killer app yet

Slide 23

Slide 24

Motivation Vision Execution Results Response Lessons

Slide 25

Lessons GTFS base successful Development method worked well Developer encouragement Real-time information more fun for developers than alerts The advantage of third parties

Slide 26

Next steps Real-time integration for subway, commuter rail Twitter integration Steps to reduce message volume and improve formatting Encourage further development Leverage the API ourselves

Slide 27

Thank you Dave Barker, Manager of Operations Technology, dbarker@mbta.com Visit realtime.mbta.com for more. Acronym Reference - APIApplication Programming Interface - CSVComma-Separated Value - GTFSGeneral Transit Feed Specification - GUIGraphical User Interface - JSONJavaScript Object Notification - MBTAMass. Bay Transportation Authority - RSSReally Simple Syndication - SMSShort Message Service - XMLeXtensible Markup Language