New MBTA Commuter Rail Apps On The Market

The Patrick-Murray Administration’s award-winning open data initiative has generated yet another product that will significantly enhance customer service for thousands of Commuter Rail riders. After the MBTA released a beta feed of real-time data of train locations, developers went to work on creating user-friendly apps. The first one was launched today, and details about the app are available on the MBTA’s website: http://www.mbta.com/apps

Delivering real-time, GPS-based tracking information, the apps work on multiple platforms, including mobile web, Android, iPhone, and BlackBerry.

"This is an important milestone in improving customer service at the MBTA," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeff Mullan. "The Patrick-Murray Administration's award-winning open data initiative is allowing software developers to build applications, websites, and other services that are putting this real-time information in the hands of MBTA riders."

“With help from a lot of innovative developers, we continue to build on the previous achievements of our trail-blazing open data initiative,” said MBTA General Manager Richard Davey. “Governor Patrick’s vision of improving customer service through the release of this data has proven to be an enormous success.”
Over the last few months, the MBTA has worked closely with developers to test the beta feed, identify and troubleshoot any issues, and prepare for a widespread launch.

The data provided in the feed includes each Commuter Rail train's GPS-generated location, speed, and predicted arrival at stations once that train’s trip is underway. Developers also have access to a feed of T-Alerts, which are posted by personnel in the Commuter Rail dispatch centers.

“While in the early stages of our Commuter Rail real-time initiative, we look forward to getting customer feedback that will help the T and developers make improvements along the way,” said General Manager Davey. “We are completely focused on providing users of all MBTA services with timely and reliable information.”