Developer to Add Real-Time Transit Info
A real-time transit information screen at Java Shack in Arlington, developed by Eric Fidler:Image courtesy of GreaterGreaterWashington.org
This is just a quick note to acknowledge what would hopefully be a trend in future transit-oriented development in the region. According to the Washington City Paper article, Douglas Development wants an exception from a zoning code-required parking minimum for a new apartment building being planned for Tenleytown. The generous community benefits package includes, among other things, ” installing a digital display with real-time bus and train schedules and information about nearby bike- and car-share stations.”
This is a great innovation that hopefully will be repeated in restaurants, cafes, bars, as well as new office and residential developments around the region. The Washington area is rich with transportation options, and it’s exciting to see that third parties are engaged in helping promote alternatives to single-occupant vehicle travel.
The real-time transit information screen in the image above was developed by Eric Fidler, who blogs about transportation issues at Left for LeDroit.
this is one of the best ideas that came through DC since the National’s corridor. I still have not read about expanding train lines around the beltway…or a way to connect the WMATA without having to go all the way in town just to go back out of town…
Eric Fidler did a great job developing the screen shown while working with us here at the Mobility Lab in Arlington. Readily available real-time transit information is indeed a huge asset to riders!
Eric will be part of an upcoming Mobility Lab Hack Day on Saturday, 11/10. His real-time screen will be the focus of the gathering, which plans to make the screens more easily configurable for individuals and institutions to use. Each participant that brings their Android or I-Pad tablet, will leave with a fully functioning personal transit screen – configured for their home or workplace. To register for Hack Day, visit http://mobilitylab.org/category/events/upcoming
Please join us on Hack Day and get real time!
Nice job, Eric!