University:
Boston University
Course:
QST SM 101 | Introduction to Management
Academic year:

2020
Views:

167

Pages:

20
Author:

StellarStrategist

Accessibili-T Contents 01 The project in a nutshell 02 Why is a new app necessary? 03 What are the features of the app? 04 Feedback & What’s Next 01 The project in a nutshell MBTA’s current accessibility info available online ✷ Trip Planner ✷ Public transportation trainings ✷ “How-to” videos All of which require extensive preparation, all just to ride the bus or train! You cannot use these resources to 01 Check station statuses on a whim 02 Get real-time updates about your local stops 03 See arrival times in the same place as accessibility resources The aim of Accessibili-T ✷ Keep useful resources in one easily reachable place ✷ Receive feedback from riders that may be facing accessibility issues on their commute ✷ Assist out of town visitors in navigating stations and seamlessly utilizing Boston’s public transit system ✷ One-step reporting that can be done right from a user’s mobile device ✷ Promote quicker resolution of issues by the MBTA 02 Why is a new app necessary? People want to be in-the-loop ✷ x ✷ y ✷ z People want to be in-the-loop ✷ x ✷ y ✷ z Disability is a spectrum ✷ Most of MBTA’s accessibility efforts are geared towards those with wheelchairs or other mobility issues ✷ Even then, many stops do not have benches, escalators, or stair railings ✷ People with non-mobility-related disabilities (blind, HOH, elderly individuals) may have trouble determining if a stop is accessible to them 03 What are the features of the app? Primary Features Self-reporting Station features Bus stop grading system Customizable routes Station maps Self-Reporting on Accessibili-T ✷ Broken amenities (benches, auditory/visual signaling, elevators) ✷ Unplowed snow (bus stops) ✷ Slippery ﬂoors/stairs ✷ Noise levels (both speakers AND crowd noise) ✷ Users may contact 311 or MBTA Maintenance Control Center (MCC) with a form embedded in the app itself Station features ✷ Users may choose which amenities they are interested in seeing for all stops (i.e. a user with hearing impairment may want to know which stops have visual signalling) ✷ Users may see self-reported updates (i.e. “14 hours ago: broken elevator reported by Accessibili-T user”) ✷ Reports non-accessibility-related amenities such as shelter coverings and trash cans Bus stop grading system ✷ Top graded stops (A) have benches, shelter, a map, and lighting ✷ Mid graded stops (B-D) may have one of two of the above amenities ✷ Low graded stops (F) only contain a sign indicating which buses pick-up at the given stop Customizable routes ✷ Users may input their commute or other regular routes from one location to another ✷ Notiﬁcations alert the user at a chosen time if there are any station alerts or self-reports on their route ✷ The app may suggest different routes based on accessibility needs that may not be met by certain stops Station Maps ✷ Station maps would provide out of town visitors with disabilities some assistance in getting around a new city ✷ It may be daunting for someone not familiar with the MBTA to get around using public transit, whether they are disabled or not 04 Feedback & What’s Next? My meeting with MBTA System-Wide Accessibility ✷ On April 4, 2023, I met with three individuals that work with accessibility on the MBTA with my main contact being Jennifer Ross, Deputy Director of Customer Engagement ✷ Several suggestions regarding “self-reporting” feature ✷ Involvement of 311 and MBTA’s Maintenance Control Center (MCC) ✷ Discussed the lack of an official MBTA app and endorsement of third-party apps ✷ Concerns surrounding user participation Response to Critique ✷ Self-reported issues would ﬁrst be pushed to 311 or MBTA MCC and shown in the app as an issue that is pending repair ✷ Reporting kiosks at stations are a long term goal for solving user participation ✷ Users would receive an update when their reported issue is resolved