Hasta La Gadget!

Replacing those unused telephones that still dot the streets of NYC with high-tech kiosks is just the start. Control Group, one of the companies looking to Reinvent Payphones, has been hired by the MTA to bring its touchscreen and app-driven vision to the New York City Subway system. All told, 90 of 47-inch panels will be installed in stops from Grand Central to Bedford primarily near booths, but also on the platforms themselves. At least initially the rugged displays will primarily be used to feed information about delays and outages and, of course, serve up ads. Eventually, the stainless steel-encased kiosk will be able to run apps approved by the MTA, but the star of the show will be the navigation system that offers a mastery of New York public transportation that Google could only dream of. Sadly there’s no concrete timeline for the rollout, we’ll just have to keep an eye on the platform. There’s one more image waiting after the break for the truly curious.

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Source: Fast Company, Control Group

The Tokyu Toyoko line, one of the most famous and important train lines in the Tokyo metro area, running between Shibuya and downtown Yokohama has had a major improvement at its Shibuya terminus, a benefit for many passengers, but a time for excitement and tears for a huge group of Train Otaku (“Tetsu-ota”).
There is an obsession with trains for many in Japan. And nothing brings them out like the change of a train line or the change of a station.
Anyone who has spent time in …

It might sound funny when you hear about some poor commuter getting stuck in the door of the subway, but it’s actually pretty dangerous. I know I wouldn’t want it to happen to me.

It’s something that can potentially happen to any one of us – especially on a crowded train – and designer Hyun Ju Park thinks he can tackle it with his Subway Signal Light concept.

Basically, it involves the installation of an illuminated indicator on the subway door to give passengers a visual warning of when they should board the train, when they should hurry, and when they should just wait for the next one. It uses the familiar green means “go”, yellow means “slow down” “hurry up” and red means “stop” color scheme.

It’s easy to ‘read’ and interpret the warnings and the slim, modern design doesn’t look half bad, either.

There’s still room for improvement but I’d really like to see signs like these up and running on public transportation soon. What do you think?

[via Yanko Design]

As welcome as Transit Wireless’ strategy for wireless in New York City subways has been, having access in just six stations around one Manhattan district has been limiting for locals who want to stay online underground. Thankfully, there’s plans afoot to cover a much wider base. AT&T, Boingo and T-Mobile have offered to back a next wave of expansion that will cover 30 extra stations with cellular and WiFi access, in places we’re more likely to recognize: Columbus Circle, Rockefeller Center and Times Square are all part of the rollout. While the tragedy of Hurricane Sandy has pushed back completion to early 2013, it shouldn’t be too long before some of the city’s most important hubs (and tourist traps) are covered — and Transit Wireless’ ambitions to eventually put wireless in all of New York City’s subways could keep every borough online during the daily commute.

[Image credit: Retromoderns, Flickr]

Continue reading AT&T, Boingo, T-Mobile agree to back wireless in 30 more New York City subway stations

Filed under: Wireless, Networking

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This is the subway tunnel that brings the L line under the East River, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. It looks like a set from a movie. More »