The MBTA announced today that real time tracking information is now available for Green Line trains. In Phase I of this highly anticipated project, users will be able to track above ground train locations in real time. Further phases of the project will enable tracking of trains underground and predictive arrival information will be provided to app developers and displayed in stations currently equipped with LED display boards.
As discussed at Senator Brownsberger’s annual Green Line Forum, real time tracking provides many benefits: The T will be able to finally manage Green Line trains using real time data. Tracking apps will be able to provide riders with arrival predictions, which are currently available on most other MBTA trains and buses. Train tracking is also a key step towards implementing Transit Signal Priority (TSP) which would allow trains to communicate with traffic signals to give priority to trains by extending green time or shortening red lights. TSP would significantly improve the speed of travel along the B, C and E branches of the Green Line, which currently have to contend with street traffic.
The full MBTA press release is available here.
Andrew Bettinelli
Legislative Aide
Office of State Senator William N. Brownsberger
The MBTA App Showcase has a list of the different apps available from developers. Many have not yet incorporated the new Green Line information yet.
Here are some web apps that use the new Green Line data:
MBTAInfo
Live MBTA Subway Mapping
You will note that the only information available is above ground, location data. The tracking uses GPS technology and it does not work underground. Arrival predictions are not available at this time either. By the end of the year we should real time tracking of the entire system, with predicted arrival times as well.
Andrew Bettinelli
Legislative Aide
Office of State Senator William N. Brownsberger