Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

This project is a collaboration between Expedition Technologies, Inc. (Expedition) and the New Brunswick Community College's Centre for Applied Research in Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing (NBCC-MU). Expedition offers a software service called ReadyPass that enables transit riders and operators to view the positions of buses in real-time, as well as scheduling and route information. The goals of this project are to: (1) Review the current software architecture of ReadyPass and make recommendations to improve its resilience and adaptability for new services; and (2) Develop proofs of concept for mass notification and advertising through the ReadyPass's mobile app and other channels, such as screens on transit vehicles and in transit hubs. Results are expected to enable transit administrators to efficiently send critical information, such as emergencies and last-minute service changes, to passengers and vehicle operators. Expedition intends to leverage this project to review and understand gaps, obstacles, and opportunities to combine vehicle tracking and smart data collection. An anticipated outcome is for this knowledge to inform development of commercially viable, standardized offerings to North American markets. This project is expected to produce commercial-grade technology that will generate new revenue for a Canadian company and local transit authorities. The project will also benefit transit riders in Canada in the form of more useful and timely transit updates.