All the talk over the years about the evolution of GPS navigation systems for cars has been frustrating for those who walk or ride their bikes off the beaten path. Now, the people at NAVTEQ have come up with a navigation system called Discover Cities. It is described in an article (that looks more like a reprint of a company press release) as "routing options to pedestrians - whether entirely on foot or using public transport for all or a portion of their journeys.
"For instance, when a pedestrian wants the option to use public transport, NAVTEQ Discover Cities enables routes that take into consideration the location of bus stops and rail stations and their entrances/exits in relation to the pedestrian route, as well as the train/bus network information - including transfer locations."
Right now the data is being used in devices marketed and sold by Garmin, Networks In Motion and Nokia but I would imagine that more companies will add the information to their packages, even if it's just as an add-on option. This could be invaluable especially when traveling to another city and not wanting to take cabs or buses. At the same time I think I will wait a little while until the bugs are worked out before I venture off in the heart of Detroit at two in the morning looking for some gyro joint in a sketchy neighborhood. After all, I am still simultaneously impressed and disappointed after all these years with the information I get from services like MapQuest and my Magellan GPS system. The difference is that I can drive away from trouble if it occurs because of a wrong turn or a street that turns one-way out of the blue while in my car much better than I can walk or run.
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Put on your thinking caps all of you who think you have the perfect solution to traffic congestion. The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) and IBM are partnering in a global challenge to come up with new ideas to fight congestion.
At stake is a $50,000 prize presented at the 16th World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems in Stockholm, Sweden, this September. The winner will also receive the development support needed to put his or her idea to work.
Winning ideas are expected to focus on the following five areas:
- Speed and efficiency: Enhancing transportation systems, using technology to reduce delays and transport people and goods efficiently and reliably.
- Behavioral impact: Providing travel alternatives that convince users to choose options that reduce congestion.
- Safety: Preventing accidents, improving incident response and providing more timely, accurate transportation information.
- Sustainability: Lowering energy use and emissions while actively managing traffic and reducing congestion.
- Economic competitiveness: Gaining productivity through new technologies, including wireless applications and mobility tools.
If you need or want more information or just want to enter your submission, go to www.itsa.org/challenge.
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It seems to me that one of the things that might get more people to use commuter rail is the addition of wireless internet access. Many of those using MARC and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) are on the trains for long periods of time and for many having access to the internet might help them get some things done (like answering email) before they get into the office.
On VRE's website it is stated that "Wireless Internet (WIFI) is not currently available on our trains. We know that there is interest in having WIFI on our trains and it is an idea that we would like to put into effect. Through a number of different tests and studies, we have discovered several areas along the tracks we use where a signal cannot be received. Until a provider is able to offer continuous service, we will not offer WIFI on our trains."
At least VRE mentions WIFI. Over on Maryland's MARC website there is no mention of it whatsoever and a search for "wireless internet" comes up with zero responses.
This is not a local issue. Although many systems around the country offer wireless internet access the two big commuter rail services in New York, the Long Island Railroad and Metro North, don't... although each have been talking about it for some time. NY Senator Chuck Schumer is getting impatient and is almost demanding that those two commuter services get WIFI installed sooner than later.
Again, I think it would be a great addition to the commuting experience and yet another plus when it comes to "selling" commuter rail. After all, if you use wireless while driving your car you might get one of those $100 tickets from the police in D.C.
Steve Eldridge is a long-time reporter, observer and commentator on the Washington region's transportation issues. You can contact him directly by writing to: Steve@SprawlandCrawl.com. Unless otherwise requested, letters or portions of letters can be used within future columns. Letter writers will be identified by their first name and city/neighborhood.
Even more galling is that Amtrak does not yet offer access on its trains--even the high-priced Acela.
BoltBus and other express bus services between Washington and NY offer the service, so I can't believe Amtrak cannot figure it out.
Posted by: Steve Offutt | June 21, 2009 at 02:12 PM
RE: WiFi on rail -- Steve's right that it's very important to make rail commuting time productive time. The area's commuter rail systems will get you to DC in about the same time as driving, but unless your destination is the rail station, you still have to get where you're going. So it's going to take longer for most people to commute by rail, but being able to use the time on the train can make up for that. WiFi isn't yet available, but I use a smartphone as a modem to connect to the internet while I'm on the MARC between Baltimore and D.C. It's not as good as working at my home computer, but I'm pretty satisfied with it. For many regular rail commuters, it would be well worth the cost of the phone and data plan to be able to catch up on their email and do other tasks that require web access during the commute. People try to do this stuff while they're driving, but they're risking their own lives, and the lives of others.
Posted by: Joe Chapline | June 18, 2009 at 07:40 PM