Patrick-Murray Administration Announces “Real-Time” MBTA Subway Train Location Information

BOSTON – Friday, October 1, 2010 - As part of the Patrick-Murray Administration's proven commitment to transportation reform and focus on customer service, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray today announced the availability of real-time train location and arrival information for the MBTA’s Orange, Red, and Blue Lines. Lieutenant Governor Murray made the announcement after riding the Orange Line to Ruggles Station.
Following the enormously successful release of real–time information for all 187 MBTA bus routes, today’s announcement expands the Administration’s award-winning open data initiative to hundreds of thousands of daily subway riders.

"This is what successful transportation reform is all about- finding practical ways to improve transportation services for the customers who use them every day," said Governor Deval Patrick.

"Today's announcement expands an innovative service for MBTA T riders, which is currently available on the MBTA bus routes," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "As we continue to implement transportation reform, we want to provide our commuters with efficient and effective resources that will improve their commute and overall customer service on the MBTA."

"This release is the next step in our award winning open data initiative which has unlocked the power of smart local developers to make riding the T easier," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeff Mullan. "The Patrick/Murray Administration's focus on reform and innovation in delivering transportation services more efficiently is again paying off with real results."

Through the widely popular open data initiative, software developers have been allowed to build applications and websites to put this information in the hands of MBTA customers. Given access to a feed of train locations in real time, the public now has the same information that MBTA subway dispatchers use for monitoring the movements of all trains on the busy Red, Blue, and Orange Lines. Subway trains make 1100 daily trips on the three lines, and serve 53 different stations.

While at Ruggles Station today, Lt. Governor Murray also announced the activation of large electronic displays that show Orange Line train locations and bus countdown information for the many routes serving Ruggles and Back Bay Station.

"This is another important step in our determined efforts to make the T one of the most user-friendly transit systems in the nation,” said MBTA General Manager Richard Davey. “Backed by the strong support of Governor Patrick and Lt. Governor Murray, we’re significantly improving the commuting experience for everyone who relies on public transportation.”

Less than one year ago, MassDOT launched the first phase of its open data initiative by releasing real-time information for five bus routes. The data released to software developers included real-time GPS locations of buses and arrival countdown information for every bus route. Within just one hour of releasing this data, a developer built an application showing real-time bus positions. Within two months, more than a dozen applications had been created including websites, smart phone applications, SMS text message services, and 617-phone numbers. All of these applications were created at no cost to MassDOT or the MBTA.

For transportation news and updates, visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot, the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.