FixMyTransport is a new website that uses crowdsourcing to identify trouble spots on UK public transport services. Using the tag line “Euston we have a problem,” the site invites transit passengers to report issues, concerns, suggestions, and compliments. Once people post a report, the site forwards the information to the responsible agency and other siteRead… Read more »
Flint’s Mass Transportation Authority (MI) announced plans to build a solar farm to power a new hydrogen, propane, and electric fueling station. “The entire site is going to be one-of-a-kind,” said general manager Ed Benning. “It’s really about sustainability — being able to sustain public transportation over the long haul.” Tuesday’s ground-breaking marked the firstRead… Read more »
Several public interest groups filed an emergency petition asking the Federal Communications Commission to rule that Bay Area Rapid Transit (CA) did not have the right to shut off wireless communications earlier this month. The Center for Democracy and Technology, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and several other organizations claim that BART’s August 11 shutdown ofRead… Read more »
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (CA) is considering expanding all-door boarding to its bus fleet. Muni riders with Clipper cards or proof of payment already have the option to board light-rail vehicles through the back door. Now the agency is considering extending the policy to buses to speed up operations on crowded routes. TheRead… Read more »
Fully 65% of adult Internet users now use social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn, according to a new report from the Pew Research Center. This percentage is more than double the 29% reported in 2008 and means that half of all adult Americans are now social networkers, marking a milestone for social mediaRead… Read more »
Metra (IL) will no longer accept passes that customers have laminated because the plastic coating disables anti-counterfeiting features on the paper tickets. The concern surfaced when four counterfeit passes — all of which were laminated — were discovered on the Union Pacific North Line, which operates between Chicago and Kenosha (WI). “We consider these ticketsRead… Read more »
In light of an unprecedented shutdown of all Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY) services because of Hurricane Irene, some customers were wondering whether the MTA would issue discounts or extensions on their $104 unlimited MetroCards. The answer, according to New York Times reporter Michael M. Grynbaum, is No. The MTA started shutting down service at noonRead… Read more »
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority officials announced plans to award a $100 million contract for a new fare payment system within the next two months. The new system will allow customers to pay fares with credit cards, debit cards, cellphones, or electronic SEPTA cards. “We will replace the turnstiles. We’ll put readers near fare boxes, butRead… Read more »
It’s official: Tweet and social media have made it into the dictionary. Merriam-Webster is adding both words to its Collegiate Dictionary, along with tech terms crowdsourcing and m-commerce. “From the dramatic events of the Arab spring to the scandal that brought down Congressman Anthony Weiner, tweet is a word that has been part of theRead… Read more »
Two weeks after a controversial decision to shut down wireless access to quell a planned demonstration, Bay Area Rapid Transit (CA) directors agreed to limit the tactic to situations when public safety is endangered. “I think we reached a consensus that it should only be used in an extreme case where the public is imminentlyRead… Read more »