Daily Features

Digitally Transported

Wireless technology is changing the way we move around the cities, and the cities themselves.

By Jennifer Krichels, Superscript August 30, 2013

As our cities continue to grow and become denser, traveling from point A to point B is becoming increasingly more difficult. While we wait for the next mode of transportation (flying cars, anyone?) to deliver us from congested subways, bumper-to-bumper traffic jams, and interminable waits for the bus, designers around the world are developing ways in improve the efficiency and convenience of our current means of mobility. With the launch of programs like New York City MTA's transit app competition, technology will inevitably change the way we use our cities in countless untold ways. For now, and just in time for Labor Day travel, here are our top five examples of how digital technology is being harnessed to make our trips quicker, and our cities more efficient.

1) Google Robo Taxi
Google is in discussion with automobile manufacturers to create a bespoke model for its driverless car technology, which it currently bolts onto Toyotas. One potential application for the robot-piloted wheels is a taxi system, which will mesh nicely with the company’s taxi-hailing app, Uber.

2) MTA On The Go
The MTA has also partnered with user interface design firm Control Group to create On The Go, a digital subway map enriched with real-time information. The installation puts station directions, transfers, line alerts, train arrival times, and service updates right at the fingertips of straphangers.

3) MTA Bus Time
New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has outfitted its fleet of busses with GPS trackers. Riders can now access real-time bus location information via their desktop or mobile devices.

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4) Bike Sharing
Urban centers around the world are installing bike sharing systems as a means to relieve overcrowding on other modes of transportation. While the exact nature of the systems varies from city to city, in general participants check out bicycles at one digital kiosk and ride them to another one near their destination. How does one find the next station? There’s an app for that.

5) Airport Concierge
User interface design firm Control Group developed Airport Concierge for OTG Management. The iPad-based system allows passengers to check their flight status, access Facebook and email, play games, browse the web, and order food directly to their seats as they wait for their flights. Architects may feel the effects of this change, too—removing walls from retail and restaurants could give them new freedom to push other boundaries when designing for our wireless world.

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