MassDOT Developers Real-Time Challenge

MassDOT today announced the MassDOT Developers Real-Time Challenge.  The Challenge calls on developers to create both software applications and physical installations using a real-time feed of MBTA bus locations and arrival predictions with the goal of making this information available anywhere, anytime.  The challenge has two categories, with a $500 cash prize for the winner in each and recognition at a March event.

•    Software Applications Challenge: This challenge calls on developers to create applications using the MBTA Real-Time XML Trial Feed accessible through the internet, mobile phones, land-line phones, text messages, software applications and any widely accessible software platform.  Examples include: smartphone applications, web applications, websites, computer applications, SMS services, and phone-based IVR systems.

•    Physical Installation Challenge: This challenge calls on developers to create physical installations making information from the MBTA Real-Time XML Trial Feed accessible in public locations.  These solutions must be installed along at least one of the five MBTA Routes for which the feed is available on non-MBTA property.  Examples include: LED countdown signs in businesses or other locations along the route, LCD countdown signs in businesses or other locations along the routes, bus arrival indicators, physical signs informing users of the existence of real-time data through the phone or on the web, or the inclusion of the MBTA real-time bus information in existing installations along the MBTA Bus routes. Rules and FAQ are here.

The Challenge begins today, and applications and installations can be submitted through March 19, 2010.

The challenge requires that developers use real-time information provided through the MassDOT Developers page.  Pilot MBTA bus routes with real-time information included bus route 39, which serves Jamaica Plain, the Longwood Medical Area and Back Bay in Boston; and bus routes 111, 114, 116 and 117, which serve Haymarket Station, East Boston, Chelsea and Revere.  Access the feed here.

The Real-Time Challenge builds on MassDOT’s 2009 Developer Challenge and Conference which spurred the creation of more than six applications using the MBTA’s trip planning data.   Together, the efforts further MassDOT's historic step toward openness and transparency through creation of the MassDOT Developers Page in the summer of 2009. 

Comments

[K Wilson]

Catch the Bus is still giving a wrong route for the 442 bus

[K Wilson]

Great app but did noticed the 200 routes and the 400 routes were added and it was gone a day later then reappeared with minimal schedule and on the 441 routes the stop were wrong travelling on a street thats not on that route.

[Ken Wilson]

Many Many routes were added, when will the 200 and 400 bus routes be added the 400 routes are highly traveled

[Michelle]

Once we go real time with this data onto people's phones, how far away are we from being able to develop a demand response system for suburban mobility? Fixed routes operating within the suburbs just aren't economically feasible but suburban transit could be feasible if we had a model where you punch the ride request into your phone and the bus/shuttle driver gets the information instantly on his/her GPS and routes to pick up the passenger.

[stephen]

This is a great idea!

[Joseph Hickey]

Don't forget about us Blackberry users. The iPhone (fad phone)is not the only smartphone out there.
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MassDOT Developers respond: We agree completely! Rather than spend tens of thousands of taxpayer/farepayer dollars trying to keep up with the latest fad, MassDOT is releasing information to third-party developers and letting them figure out what applications make sense for what smartphones/platforms. We encourage these developers to make applications on all types of platforms -- iPhone, Blackberry, Android, web, SMS.

In the meantime, we've also made changes to the MBTA's mobile website, so that basic real-time information is accessible from ANY smartphone. Check it out by navigating your Blackberry web browser to www.mbta.com.