When you think of iterative development, you’re unlikely to also think “government agency.” You’re even less likely to think “MTA.” But that might not be the case in the future, as today the MTA showed a strong sign that the situation is changing: They listened to feedback and responded. Quickly. In my post yesterday, I Read more…
It’s here: The MTA has officially launched its redesigned website, complete with a spiffy new look, access to multiple trip planners, and a convenient way to quickly check on the status of subway and bus lines. While there’s much to say about the site’s new design, what excites us most is the developer center, which Read more…
The quest for open transit data in New York continues, but the Times’ coverage today of the upcoming launch of the MTA’s new website gives cause to be optimistic. As the Times reports, the MTA is set to launch a redesign of its website this Wednesday, giving the agency’s site a much needed — and Read more…
Building on the work that has been taking place on the NY transit data wiki, we’ve just launched a new site, NYTransitData.org, which makes the case for improving New York’s transit system through open data. Check out the introduction or browse the frequently asked questions. Then come back and share your thoughts in the comments. We Read more…
It’s an exciting time. The values that have been championed for decades by the free software movement — values of sharing, participation, and freedom — have over the past several years spread well beyond the confines of computer software and are permeating everything from the arts to government. That’s why the Software Freedom Law Center, Read more…
Earlier this week, City Councilwoman Gale Brewer wrote a public letter to interim MTA CEO Helena Williams advocating for open public transit data. Though Councilwomen Brewer does not have direct political influence over the MTA as it’s a state-based agency, she makes a strong argument for open transit data. Indeed, Councilwoman Brewer, who chairs the Read more…
Last night’s New York Public Transit Data Summit was a resounding success. We had a room packed with passionate and thoughtful people eager to help make public transit in New York more efficient, accessible, and and easy to use. For more than two hours, the group — comprised of over two dozen transit advocates, mobile Read more…