Public transit agencies don't normally get the kind of fine-grained location and navigation data made possible by tracking phones. London got temporary access to that info at the end of 2016, however.
James O'Malley reports on the results of a pilot project conducted at the end of 2016 in London: between November 21 and December 19, Transport for London (TfL) tracked the phone on anyone with a WiFi connection enabled while navigating the London Underground.
O'Malley got the first crack at the "utterly fascinating findings that the agency has been able to make from all of our data," while acknowledging that TfL has to justify the collection of all this data.
"Perhaps the number one reason to do the trial was to better understand the journeys that people actually make on the Tube," writes O'Malley in relaying the case made by officials at TfL. The new WiFi data, combined with existing sources of data, offers new insight into route tracking, in-station tracking, and, in a potentially more controversial use for the tracking, data for advertisers.
The first two benefits of the tracking should help with site and system planning efforts in the future, and O'Malley digs into some of the data shared by TfL to get an idea of how the data might improve planning efforts in the future.
FULL STORY: Here's What TfL Learned From Tracking Your Phone On the Tube
How London's Leading on Transit Data
Transport for London is forging ahead on several projects to collect and use more rider data. One initiative draws on WiFi connections to map users' paths through the London Underground.
Biking in London Grew by 20 Percent Since 2019
Pandemic-induced changes and improved bike infrastructure have contributed to the impressive growth of cycling as a mode share.
$22 Billion Elizabeth Line Finally Opens in London, With the Queen in Attendance
May 17, 2022 was a big day for transit in London.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service