[UA] Shuttle System Updates; Map and Times on App Fixed

[Mahi Elango]

Hi Undergrads,

Hope you're all doing well! Here are some updates about the Shuttle system:

In short, the map and prediction times on the MIT Mobile app should now be
correct. If the shuttle is offline when it should not be, please call
617-253-1440, or email shuttles at mit.edu. The more data and feedback we
receive, the more effective improvements we can make. I'm also including a
timeline of the Shuttle system thus far. If you have any questions or
concerns, please let us know at ua-officers at mit.edu. We apologize for any
inconveniences the problems of the shuttle system may have caused, and are
hopeful that we can continue to make good progress.

*Timeline*
September 24, 2018

UA Officers meet with President Reif and bring up the shuttle as a pain
point for students, in response to a question about student concerns.

October 24, 2018

Shuttle Committee meeting

   -

   We learn there are issues with prediction times with third-party vendors
   NextBus and Modo due to a software upgrade, and that the MIT Parking
   Office will work with both vendors and IS&T to resolve the issue
   -

   The MIT Parking Office speaks to students and faculty at W97/W98 for a
   shuttle that runs more frequently and promptly
   -

   We ask that a permanent banner with updates be posted to the MIT Mobile
   app
   -

   We ask for a re-design of the shuttle signs to be more effective, such
   as adding number, email to the shuttle signs
   -

   We ask for a shuttle driver feedback system
   -

   On-demand shuttle had too much demand from 11pm-1am, so Boston East
   pilot runs until 1am
   -

   Receive data about requests and wait times for on-demand shuttles
   -

   We share positive feedback about the grocery shuttles


November 9, 2018

The Shuttle Committee receives an estimate that the app predictions will be
fixed with a software update by the end of the calendar year.

December 7, 2018

Shuttle Committee meeting

   -

   Since prediction times have not improved, discuss details about how
   NextBus sends info to Moto for the shuttle app
   -

   In the last 3 months, prediction accuracy dropped from 90% to 60%
   because of the new app upgrade
   -

   We were told that it would take 2 weeks to upgrade the MIT app (this
   later got fixed by talking to IS&T)
   -

   Took static shuttle times off website because they were so far off
   -

   Added pop-up alert in the app for immediate notifications
   -

   E-Z Ride will not have the software upgrade, remain on legacy version
   because their predictions are accurate


December 11, 2019

The UA emails administration with collective student feedback that the
number listed on the app is still not being answered, unresponsive, or not
helpful at all for students.


*February 11, 2019*

The UA emails the MIT Parking Office that in addition to earlier concerns
raised about the phone number, the app continues to be offline when it
should not be and that the prediction times are still inaccurate. The
Office responds back that the new version integration for accurate
prediction times will happen with a final IS&T patch. In addition, two
different phone numbers are consolidated into one, which is then correctly
shown on the app.

February 19, 2019

The UA emails the Shuttle Committee and VPSL, Suzy Nelson, asking why the
problems have not yet been fixed yet, why the date keeps getting pushed
back, and brings up new concerns about drivers not having adequate support
to clear their buses, and thus the first shuttle is delayed.

March 8, 2019

Shuttle Committee meeting

   -

   Signs are going up, app texts are being updated with one -1440 phone
   number
   -

   Shuttle update went very poorly, shuttles not showing up
   -

   MIT Parking Office has call after meeting, and will either fix
   immediately or switch back to legacy update and find new vendor
   -

   MIT Parking Office reiterates that if the app doesn’t work, call the
   number. The number appears to be working fine
   -

   W98 shuttle running 3-11pm, and looking for morning driver position to
   run shuttles in the morning as well
   -

   E-Z Ride upgrade will not happen unless predictions are fixed first for
   Saferide
   -

   We continue discussions on a shuttle driver feedback system


March 12, 2019

Administration emails us that NextBus switches back to legacy version of
the app such that the map and prediction times should be correct. Future
conversations about how to deploy future technologies and feedback systems
continue. Another Shuttle Committee is scheduled for April.


--
Mahalaxmi Elango
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 2020
Secretary of the Undergraduate Association
Department of EECS and Department of BCS
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