New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority has launched an interactive, digital map of the New York City subway system – the first of its kind for North America, and possibly in the world.
The map is available for both desktop and mobile users. It is a virtual diagram of the train system, using the agency’s own data streams to provide near-real-time views of train locations, construction, and delays. Users can check on tracks to see which direction trains are heading, click on stations to check service status, and learn about re-routing updates for nighttime and weekend service. In addition to displaying train arrival times, the new map provides elevator and escalator status at every station, train reroutes, exit and entrance locations, and tunnel transfers.
“I have struggled along with other New Yorkers to navigate service changes. Sometimes reading the service changes in text form is confusing,” said Sarah Meyer, chief customer officer at New York City Transit. “We needed to make sure we’re giving people information they need, when and where they need it.”
The digital map was designed by Work & Co, who did the project pro-bono. The company also produced a short film called “The Map” about the map’s creation.
“Until now it’s been tough for riders, it’s been difficult to find information that this map provides, especially when it comes to something like an elevator or escalator outages,” said Jaqi Cohen, campaign director for the advocacy group, Straphangers Campaign. “I think this is the trend we want to see from the M.T.A., providing more data to riders so they can make more decisions on their commutes every day.”