Overview
For the next phase of this project, our group focused on building a prototype. There are multiple apps currently that the MTA owns, and we thought it would be best to create one universal app. Our app focuses on purchasing tickets that would work with OMNY, adding a new crime feed feature, FAQ section, route suggestions, places to see, and things to do in a neighborhood!
“An MTA survey published last month found 36% of riders who relied on the subway before the pandemic said they “are not using transit because of crime and harassment.”
The Problem
We identified a few problems that we discovered in our research.
1.) People don’t feel safe riding mass transit.
2.)The MTA has several apps that do different things, and it would best to create one app that solves all problems.
3.) It’s hard finding information on transit news or decisions from local or state governments.
4.) Transit is expensive.
5.) The user navigation is poor, and the paths are hard to follow.
Identify Our User Journey Map
Next, we created a user journey map and went through what a typical day might entail for our power user Liam. By identifying the different pain points of commuting to work, we found entry points to incorporate new features that would make Liam’s commute more enjoyable and serve information that he might find useful when commuting to his office. An example, a real-time crime feed that reports suspicious activity or ongoing crimes at stations.
We decided to make Liam our primary user since he commuted to work pre-pandemic. He is familiar with the transit system and the current growing pains the MTA is currently facing.
Wireframes
I was tasked with recreating the homepage for this project. For the homepage, we want users to input destinations and select transit options. Users can toggle between different transit options like rail, subway, ferry, and bus. Based on their inputs, a user will have different route options to reach their destination based on the Fastest route, Fewest Transfers, Fewest Delays, and Local routes.
We incorporated rows on the home screen for tourists that show frequent places people visit or restaurants that people dine at that pertain to the region. If a tourist taps on one of the tiles, it directs them to a details page that shares information about the neighborhood, transit options on how to get there, and a list of local restaurants. Adding this feature gives the app a warmer and friendlier interface and can be used as a discovery app for finding new restaurants.
HiFidelity Screens
I added two additional screens of what the details page of popular destinations could look like. By tapping on Restaurants in Williamsburg, the app would redirect a user to Open Table. At any point, a user can tap the icons of transportation to see popular routes on how to get to that area. I thought that adding these sections to the home screen would entice users who live in the metropolitan area to explore more and be of use for tourists as well who are visiting the city.
Prototype
To view, the prototype click the play icon in the top right-hand corner.
https://www.figma.com/file/ORmIEgvb1P4xDEEN4Jx5gN/MTA-Public-Transportation?node-id=90%3A2
Conclusion
I wish we had more time to work on this project. I would’ve loved to incorporate or strategize on a potential reward/incentivization program that could be incorporated into our app and, importantly, gets people back using transit. The MTA is facing a serious crisis, and they need all the help they can get to make riders feel safe/confident in their service while trying to modernize the service.
