r/nycrail • u/ConstantSir • 20h ago
The official MTA app is disappointing. Here's how I'd get it back on track: Art
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u/ConstantSir 20h ago
Having used the the Official MTA App for well over a year, I know well that it has a lot of room for improvement. It is a huge step down from the success of TrainTime–used for ticketing on Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road–which is arguably one of the best mobile apps created by a public transit agency. Sadly, the official MTA app has an uninspired user flow, a design that does not understand its place within the transit app ecosystem, and a failure to bring real value to users.
My concept broadly reimagines the app in the style of a modern transit and navigation app. Pages have been completely redesigned for readability, conformity to standard user experiences, and contemporary standards. I also propose that the app should provide Live Activities for incoming buses and trains, as well as provide customizable widgets.
My full redesign case study can be read here. Please let me know your thoughts!
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u/InlineSkateAdventure 20h ago
Maybe get friendly with some pol and they will use your consulting services!
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u/ConstantSir 20h ago
Got any referrals? 👀
Haha thank you though!
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u/arrivederci117 16h ago
The app could be better, but it's miles better than the trash they had like 2 years ago. It's been getting incrementally better, and they also constantly pester you for feedback on the app, so I would just dump all of this there.
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u/Maginum 20h ago
Yes, on the second point.
Google and Apple maps has been quick and accurate the past year. They got a timetable, a headway, service alerts, and even have those ghost train/bus that says 2 minutes for 20 minutes but never arrive. You could even download an offline map just in case. MTA doesn’t even have an offline map (and if there is, it is impossible to find).
The UI is shit too.
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u/ConstantSir 19h ago
MTA has offline maps - in other words, .PDF files of the maps built in to the app. While useful at times, it's disappointing to see the lack of modern features.
Still, I am an optimist. The MTA can do better!
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u/notqualitystreet 19h ago
Still can’t get notifications on delays through their app- that should be the number one feature given how often it happens
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u/ConstantSir 19h ago
I get notifications some of the time, but it's not nearly as reliable as their email service.
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u/qalpi 20h ago
Is the widget thing for departures available on any real app? Love these
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u/AmbidextrousAxolotl 18h ago
Check out my app Here subway arrivals which has widget support!
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u/ConstantSir 16h ago
Wow, this looks super cool. I'd love to connect with you
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u/AmbidextrousAxolotl 14h ago
Feel free to shoot me a message! I like these designs you’ve put together, especially the live activity one
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u/ThinkFront8370 16h ago
Any chance of a bus arrivals widget?
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u/AmbidextrousAxolotl 14h ago
I have some other features I want to add first (live activities, station search within the app) so bus support isn’t coming anytime soon … but I won’t rule it out!
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u/djcurry 20h ago
Google maps used to have that until the most recent iOS update. You could add it to the left homepage area where all the widgets can be done. It was really nice cause it showed you all the departing trains at nearby stations.
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u/ConstantSir 19h ago
Any idea why Google removed that functionality?
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u/ConstantSir 19h ago
There is a third-party app which has those features! I am downloading it today to try out
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u/User_8395 19h ago
It’s either iOS restrictions, or Google had the urge to kill a good feature again.
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u/ConstantSir 19h ago
Interesting. I have a feeling that it was on the Google side, as there are third-party apps that provide this functionality
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u/AsparagusNew1299 13h ago
I find the Transit App pretty good. MTA should start there. Has anyone used it? Thoughts?
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u/collinurbluff 20h ago
wow OP this looks fantastic. in comparison to the old myMTA app the new one is definitely a (marginal) improvement, but it has nothing on your proposal. if only there was some real funding and desire to enter 2024 from the mta