I want to -- maybe counterintuitively -- highlight why the MBTA's new official app is a great thing for open transit data and third-party apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Transit that depend on this data.
First, all the data you see in MBTA Go comes from our official, publicly-available data feeds in industry-standard GTFS and related specs at mbta.com/developers. Every improvement we make to the quality of bus/train locations or arrival estimates goes into these open feeds. That's not changing. We want MBTA riders to get high-quality real-time data -- whether that's in our app or one they already have on their phone.
But our corner of the transit industry finds itself in a chicken/egg game as we try to expand GTFS to communicate complex but important info like detours, service adjustments, and crowding. Why should transit agencies publish this info unless the apps will show it? Why should apps consume this info unless transit agencies publish it? And how do we figure out a workable industry-spec for this information without trying it in the real world?
MBTA Go will help us accelerate this challenging but important process. With full control of our data flow from dispatchers to riders, we can prove out how to publish and show new kinds of real-time data. That's great for Boston's transit riders, but also the wider industry as we all figure out how to capture and communicate complex transit concepts using open formats like GTFS.
I'm so looking forward to working with spec-maintainer MobilityData, our third-party app partners, and other agencies thoughtfully build and using in-house app expertise like Transport for London (Callum Mcleod, Chloe Davies, Leon Byford) on these exciting topics!
“The public deserves and expects timely and accurate real time information to plan their journeys. This app is just one component as we improve communication. MBTA Go will help us be even more transparent allowing riders to have information to make decisions on travel, particularly for those that rely on our system every day. We hope users will give us feedback as we continue development,” said General Manager and CEO Eng.
We released our new MBTA Go app - the official mobile app for live service info - now available on iPhones with iOS 16.4 or later. Check arrival times, track vehicles, and learn about the latest service disruptions with more features to come. Learn more about the app and share your feedback: https://ow.ly/wr6o50UcT6P
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Congratulations, team!!