Bus Stop Info Hub

Concept:

A summary of the idea, the needs it serves, and a description of a possible pilot program

Ideas abound to improve Pittsburgh's bus transit. Improving the quality and accessibility of information provided to bus riders is a place to start.

Centralized, straight-forward and comprehensive information should be accessible at all bus stops. As a hub of activity, bus stops call for better safety and shelter and could be used as centers for the dissemination of information.

A pilot Bus Stop Info Hub project should include the posting and maintenance of comprehensive and current information at a number of key bus shelters including:

• Bus Information: route maps and schedules
• Rider Information: disability access, bike access, and fare prices
• Safety Measures: 24 hour lighting, emergency call box

Making these info hubs electronic and interactive would allow for users to plan their routes, find the bus they need, make time and fee estimations, as well as calculate the estimated time of arrival for their bus.

An organized and supported campaign that presents compelling models for change would be within the programmatic scope of an Engage RFP.

Priorities:

These ideals are integral to a successful project design

• promoting more frequent and casual bus use
• improving accessibility, dependability, and rider support
• providing current information in a user-friendly way
  
• establishing a mutually beneficial working relationship with Port Authority Transit

Concerns:

Possible difficulties, pitfalls, and obstacles to consider

• working with PAT

Idea History:

Learn more about the idea, from genesis to dialogue

This concept incorporates features of Easy Rider from room 429, Go Hub from room 617, and Top Stop from room 430. These ideas feature other concepts, such as electronic bus fare payment cards, on-bus bike lockers, internet access and live news and music feeds. For context and reference consult the Big Idea Book for other bus-related ideas from the Round Up.

Related Links:

Get to know these groups, organizations, projects, and authorities, their current and past activities, the possibility for consultation or partnership, and in-roads to collaboration.

• MapHub
• Port Authority Transit

General Questions:

These important questions are asked of each idea. Try your hand at answering them as a way to explore the idea and how to make it happen. Answers to these questions help to demonstrate the Idea's strength and potential for success.

1. What level is the idea at? (Research, Planning, Fundraising, Advocacy, Deployment, other (explain))
2. What is a reasonable next step/phase for the concept? How can investment move the idea forward?
3. What other resources or opportunities are available or necessary to make the idea happen?
4. What existing activities or organizations in Pittsburgh duplicate some or all of the program components? How can this idea compete with, complement, and/or learn from these other activities?
5. Who should be included in this discussion? Does the concept call for outside consultation or assistance from other organizations?
6. How should the idea be promoted?
7. How should project success be measured?
8. What questions should be asked of a proposal for this project?

Starter Questions:

These questions address some of the anticipated programmatic concerns that come with administering small projects. Consider them test questions for model projects-- responses should be incorporated into the project's design.

1. What technologies are needed to make an effective interactive experience?
2. If interactive technology is not an option, how will this project improve on the current information provided at bus stops?
3. How will information be collected and kept current?
4. How will the pilot sites be maintained and updated?
5. How will the project present its work to PAT?