The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has partnered with CitySwift to implement high-tech solutions for improving passenger experience and reducing carbon emissions within the city’s bus services.
During a 12-week proof of concept, CitySwift fully integrated with and expanded the MTA’s existing transport data sources. Due to the successful results, the MTA now intends to apply CitySwift’s public transport network optimisation and passenger capacity predictions to further improve bus services within New York.
The partnership arose from the MTA’s Covid-19 Response Challenge, which looked for new technologies to help to make New York’s public transport systems safer, healthier and more responsive to modern day needs.
Michael Wojnar, MTA Senior Advisor for Innovation and Policy, said:The MTA is exploring every avenue to be in a better position to welcome back New Yorkers as they return to public transit, including looking to great ideas from the private sector. These pilots are promising because they may help the MTA improve the customer experience and increase sustainable options to ensure a smoother and more efficient journey.
CitySwift’s bus data engine will be used to predict bus capacities and run times, optimise timetables, and track network performance across Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.
In Brooklyn, CitySwift’s AI-based capacity prediction technology will also be used to share stop-by-stop capacity levels up to two weeks in advance. This system will allow passengers to make an informed and confident return to public transport following the COVID-19 pandemic, while also helping the MTA work towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future for New York City.
CitySwift CEO, Brian O’Rourke said:CitySwift are incredibly excited to be helping the MTA embrace data in smart, innovative ways to improve bus services and support Covid recovery in New York City. Data has the power to transform the economics of the bus sector and help attract a new generation of passengers. It’s the key to delivering frequent, fast, reliable services that meet the needs of the modern bus user and offer an attractive, affordable and sustainable alternative to the private car. It will enable the MTA to offer faster journey times, and optimise frequency by intelligently matching vehicle supply with passenger demand.
