Pact+Analysis

Pact Analysis

 * People:**

Public transit is one of the most cruicial part of everyone's lives at one point or another, it may be the only way you get around but possibly the most frustrating process of your daily life. Particularly in Toronto, public transit is not as popular due to the fact that you have to pay the same $2.75 (TTC) - $3 (Mississauga, YRT, VIVA) rate no matter where you go (when compared to Europe and Particularly East Asia). It is also a great inconvenience when people are unsure if the bus left early or is coming in late, which is a great hassle especially when it's winter. The implementation we're trying to produce to public transit is one that would provide a smart card system for payment and identification. There will be a pay as you go method that allows you to pay for the distance you're travelling, and the same card can be used in a kiosk to relay messages to the driver that a particular passenger is waiting for their bus (the identification aspect of this card plays a significant role to avoid pranksters). The kiosk will also provide the passenger with the expected time of the next bus that are traced via GPS tracking system that is not dissimilar to what is being employed through VIVA public transportation. This smart card have great potential that stems beyond the use of public transportation alone.


 * Activities:**

The purpose of this activity is to increase the efficiency of payment, provide more knowledge to the passengers on upcoming transport arrival, which would further promote the use of public transportation. The way we plan to aid one in such a process is by providing computer kiosks to recharge these smart card that can be used for all major public transportation (VIVA, TTC, Mississauga Transit, etc.), and possibly purchase of other goods (e.g. snack venues within subway stations). There will be a set rate that is based on the distances being travelled, where passengers will not be overwhelmed to travel short distances via pubic transportation. Main pickup locations with have kiosks that lets the passenger know the expected time of next bus arrival, and also a place to swipe the card and let the driver know he will be expecting pickup at those stops. If the passenger identification card labels disabled, the bus driver will know right away that he's expected to lower the bus or ramp to accomodate such passengers.


 * Context:**

The context where such a system will be best suited is within any metropolitan area where public transportations is potentially the most efficient and cost effective way to travel. Tokens and tickets will be replaced with a card which is easier to place in a wallet and carried around, and payment method will be greatly improved to provide less queue when getting on the bus during rush hour. Passengers will also be able to stay warm and comfortable during winter when they know when their bus is going to arrive at the very pick up location they are waiting. Bus drivers will find their job easier when they have a better idea of where there's a need to pick up passenger, and also the knowledge if a ramp is expected to be lowered at the next stop. The kiosks ability to relay messages to driver is the steping stone on developing a transit that caters to demand in the future. Although at the present time, computer scientists and mathematicians have yet to create a stable system to direct the transportation vehicles to cope with on demand transit, the structure of this project will provide a foundation when such system is available.


 * Technologies:**
 * GPS system to track the bus's position and expected time or arrival. (already being used in Richmondhill "VIVA"public transportation)
 * Smart cards that contains personal identity and account balance.
 * Simple radio signal that relays information to the bus driver that someone's waiting at the stop.
 * Kiosks that can recharge the transit card.
 * System capable to direct transport vehicles with real life on demand transit.