Transit Agency Expands Real-Time Bus Information to Manhattan

The MTA not only deals with trains, but also with the buses of the New York City area.  They are constantly adding, renovating and better dealing with the hassles that arise with traffic.  This being done through means of technological advances.   One such advance is the GPS system in buses.  These buses are equipped with a Global Positioning Device to allow riders to view where the bus is, and when it shall arrive.

    This system has been implemented in other boroughs, namely Staten Island and the Bronx.  The next step was Manhattan. This borough in particular was a tricky one to enable GPS in, as the skyscrapers impeded upon the bus’ ability to dictate its location to the soon to be rider.  The MTA did, however, solve this and got the application, obtainable on your phone, or other devices, up and running.  The App will show the location of the bus, and where to go.  This means that by putting in a street where you are, or are going to go, you can see how to get there.  Once at the station, you can track your bus as it approaches.  The main critique of this is that it does not show the arrival time.  This is due to the fact that by not getting through one stop light, the bus is progressively late, so the estimated five minute wait, and turn into ten quite easily.

    The city expects to be spending an average of $7200 per bus, and another $6 million on maintenance costs over the next few years.  The city’s technological attitude is very apparent as they further progress into the future.  This is seen through the proposed train system renovations and bus upgrades.  Through this, the city is catching up to Boston, and overseas countries in their transportation systems, as they have already implemented these ideas in one way or another.

~ Eric Silva