As transportation network companies like Uber and Bridj make it easier for some to opt out of the public transit system, a new app would help transit agencies offer more user-centric services.
Adele Peters shares news of the TransLoc app, a new startup that aims to provide the technology platform to enable public transit to compete with transportation network companies.
Peters describes TransLoc as "an app to help agencies quickly identify where riders are actually traveling so cities can start to offer services tailored to those needs." The app works by following the route of users as they travel around town. "That data builds maps that agencies can use to make routes more efficient, and eventually offer on-demand services."
Doug Kauffman, CEO of TransLoc, is quoted describing the potential benefit of the technology: "It would help agencies provide a transit service that is truly rider-centric: Vehicles coming to you, on your schedule, taking your location and destination into consideration…"
Kaufman believes that it's possible for all transit agencies to offer on-demand services, and, in fact, Helsinki is already experimenting with similar technology.
FULL STORY: This App Wants To Help Public Transit Compete With Uber
Lessons From Helsinki's Failed On-Demand Bus Experiment
Kutsuplus—an attempt to "reinvent carpooling for the algorithm age"—has failed in Helsinki. What can new systems, still operating in the United States, learn from its example?
Meet Boston's New Tech-Enabled 'Pop-Up' Bus Service
A private bus service launched this week in Boston that decides service based on crowdsourced data on where and when people need to travel.
On-Demand Transit in Houston: There's an App for That
The city of Houston this week launched an app for its Community Connector shuttle service as part of a ten-month pilot project.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)