NYCDOT along with many other DOTs in the region and around the country have been using probe vehicle data for monitoring time-dependent traffic conditions and conducting before and after studies of various transportation projects. Specifically, NYCDOT has been using probe vehicle data from yellow taxis and other vehicles equipped with GPS and TRNSMIT system. In this project NYCDOT wants to automate and enhance their use of MTA bus data that they are already acquiring under a protocol developed between the two agencies.

The Center for Urban Science and Progress (CUSP) has developed a relationship with MTA under a recent arrangement between the City and NYU-Poly. The MTA is one of CUSP partnering institutions, and over the last year2 the two institutions have worked towards developing a close partnership. During these interactions, it has become clear that NYCT has already developed a “system to collect and store historic Bus Time data, while processing and validating the data against scheduled service”. Instead of redeveloping a similar tool for NYCDOT use, CUSP/NYU-Poly research team proposes to harness the effort already spent by NYCT to deliver the same product to NYCDOT. This effort will include the development of access and security protocols with NYCT and NYCDOT to provide NYCDOT with seamless access to MTA Bus Time data.