Big Noise: Accessibility via Gadgetry
Another example of how Google Transit can be extended to make transit information conveniently available to more people in more places. The Travel Assistive Device program in Florida uses Google Transit feed (GTFS) for schedule and stop information. From Big Noise:
I love gadgets, do-dads and things that go blinky-blinky. From Rube Goldberg machines that don’t accomplish a thing, to thing-a-ma-bobs that have an actual purpose; I love finding new devices and fiddle with ‘em.
I guess that is why I was so fascinated when I learned that the University of South Florida researchers developed a technology that uses cell phones to help people with brain injuries and other cognitive disabilities to use public transportation.
It’s called a Travel Assistive Device. It uses a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology inside cell phones to keep track of where riders with disabilities are along their bus route. Then the bus approaches the rider’s stop, the cell phone will vibrate and a voice message reminds the rider to pull the cord to tell the bus driver to pull over at the next stop. Cool, ey? With one caveat.
More at http://mybignoise.blogspot.com/2009/01/accessibility-via-gadgetry.html
I read the full paper, and to be clear, they aren’t using Google Transit, they’re using GTFS data from the agency. Very cool project!
Thanks for that clarification. It does make more sense that they would be using Google Transit Feed Spec information rather than pulling from maps.google.com.