MBTA and Swiftly pilot new transit navigation system

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Launches NextGen Bus Navigation Pilot Program

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has introduced the NextGen Bus Navigation Pilot Program, an initiative aimed at assisting bus operators in navigating detours and other road challenges. In collaboration with Swiftly, the MBTA will pilot off-the-shelf tablet technology in the cabs of up to 100 buses by the end of the year. This technology will provide turn-by-turn directions similar to popular navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps. The NextGen Bus Navigation Pilot is supported by new features in Skate, the MBTA’s internally managed bus dispatching app, which enables the Operations Control Center to map out, monitor, and manage unplanned bus detours in real-time.

Improving Service and Supporting Drivers

The implementation of this technology is a significant step forward in improving service for customers and supporting bus drivers who often face unforeseen obstacles on their regular routes. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO, Monica Tibbits-Nutt, believes that the new technology will result in more efficient bus service, reduced travel times, and improved service reliability. The MBTA General Manager and CEO, Phillip Eng, also emphasizes the importance of providing bus operators with the necessary tools to make timely decisions and deliver improved and more reliable travel for riders.

Key Features of the NextGen Bus Navigation Pilot

• Using modern practices from the technology industry: The MBTA combined its in-house software engineering staff experts with an in-development tool from Swiftly, rather than relying solely on proprietary systems.
• Centering safety: Given the varied responsibilities of bus operators in ensuring rider safety, minimizing distractions is crucial. The MBTA’s Safety Division has been actively involved in testing and planning to ensure that the pilot technology is supportive and not distracting for bus operators.
• Listening to front-line staff: The MBTA and Swiftly have worked closely with bus operators, inspectors, and dispatchers to gather feedback and incorporate their input and expertise into the turn-by-turn software and new detour features in Skate.

Enhancing Navigation and Real-Time Updates

Swiftly’s navigation solution will provide bus operators with audible and visual turn-by-turn directions using low-cost, off-the-shelf tablets. In parallel, the internal Skate app has been enhanced with new features that allow bus dispatchers to draw detours on a map from the Control Center. These detour maps can then be shared with inspectors and other staff responsible for managing service in real-time across the system. The MBTA plans to eventually push these detour directions to the in-cab Swiftly tablets and also provide them to bus riders through industry-standard real-time open data feeds.

Partnership and Industry Impact

The MBTA has partnered with Swiftly to bring a modern navigation experience tailored to the unique concerns of transit. Swiftly’s Chief Product Officer, Meredith Bordoni, expresses delight in collaborating with the MBTA and highlights the benefits of the Navigation in Onboard App, including preventing wrong turns, improving service reliability and safety, guiding operators through detours, and building operator confidence. The MBTA’s open data standard orientation and innovative development approach have made them an extraordinary partner in solving transit navigation challenges for the entire industry.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article discusses the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) NextGen Bus Navigation Pilot Program, which aims to improve bus service efficiency, reduce travel times, and enhance service reliability. These goals are aligned with SDG 9, which focuses on promoting sustainable industrialization, fostering innovation, and building resilient infrastructure. Additionally, the program contributes to SDG 11 by aiming to create sustainable cities and communities through improved public transportation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
• Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all

The NextGen Bus Navigation Pilot Program aligns with Target 9.1 by aiming to develop reliable and resilient infrastructure for public transportation. It also contributes to Target 11.2 by working towards providing accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road
• Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of the population that has convenient access to public transport

While the article does not explicitly mention these indicators, the NextGen Bus Navigation Pilot Program’s goal of improving bus service efficiency and accessibility aligns with Indicator 11.2.1, which measures the proportion of the population with convenient access to public transport. Additionally, the program’s focus on developing reliable and resilient infrastructure can be connected to Indicator 9.1.1, which measures the proportion of the rural population with access to all-season roads.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: masstransitmag.com