Use and Deployment of Mobile Device Technology for Real-Time Transit Information

Abstract

The purpose of this report was to document the state of the practice in the use and deployment of real-time transit information on mobile devices using the following five dimensions: (1) the underlying technology required to generate the information to be disseminated, (2) the mobile technology used for dissemination, (3) the characteristics of the information, (4) the resources required to successfully deploy information on mobile devices, and (5) the contribution of mobile messaging to an overall agency communications strategy, including “information equity.” One of the key results of the survey indicated that many of the respondents are using either third-party mobile content/applications providers or individuals to provide real-time information on and develop applications for mobile devices. This result confirms that many transit agencies have limited internal resources to develop, manage, and maintain real-time mobile applications. The report offers a literature review; results of a survey conducted about items in the five dimensions, as well as questions regarding lessons learned; and the results of telephone interviews conducted with key agency personnel. The results of four of these telephone interviews are presented as case studies with noteworthy agency approaches to providing mobile information. Twenty-eight completed survey responses were received from 28 transit agencies around the world, a 100% response rate. The 15 U.S. transit agencies that provide real-time information on mobile devices responded, as well as 13 survey responses from international agencies.

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