HAX: Metro Bus Finder Installation

Did I miss my bus? When is the next one coming? Ok, I know when it’s supposed to come, but when’s it really going to get here? Transportation Departments already use positioning technology to make sure they know where their busses are, so why shouldn’t the public be privy to the same knowledge?

We set out to solve this classic dilemma by developing an interactive tool that uses onboard bus data to display real-time arrival and schedule information. We needed an interface that could present extensive bus information in a dynamic, digestible way, but the real value was always in the data, and we needed a viable way to bring it to bus riders where and when they needed it. As much as we like to believe in humanity’s inherent good nature, we knew we couldn’t slap pricey LCD screens on street signs.

Through-glass touchscreen technology allowed us to display the interface on a normal, storefront window to users at the bus stop outside. In addition to being helpful and utilitarian, it acts as an eye-catching promotional piece, and turns a potentially frustrating situation (waiting for a bus) into an interactive experience.