NEW YORK — New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority will begin year-long pilot programs with two technology companies to improve subway service.
Axon Vibe will offer a smartphone app to deliver personalized communications based on users’ commuting behavior. If subway service is changed, the app will allow the MTA to notify users and provide alternative transportation suggestions, based on the riders’ anticipated destination and prior commuting preferences.
Veovo offers technology that provides up-to-date information on the number of passengers in a station, to identify crowding and allow the MTA to respond by improving deployment of staff, change train operation, or plan more efficient station design.
The MTA and the Partnership for New York City announced the programs at a Tuesday press conference. It follows the February 2019 launch of the Transit Tech Lab, connecting tech companies with New York City transportation agencies for testing and introducing new products.
“We’re leveraging this new model for evaluating and introducing technologies that address some of our most critical challenges. The result is an inaugural Transit Tech Lab that far surpassed our expectations,” said Patrick Foye, MTA chairman and CEO.
Big article in yesterday’s NY Times on the new turnstile technology (tap & go) slated to replace the Metrocard.