PATDown

This is a project to GPS up all Pittsburgh buses so that patrons can know when their bus will arrive (especially because they're notoriously late/early). This is a huge boon to the community, we have the tech/knowledge, and the will to make it happen.

So let's do it!

Deadline: March 1 (flexible until discussed)

Master To Do

• Build a prototype hardware unit and API
• Demonstrate feasibility/cost
• Demo prototype
• Resolve Political Issues (Unions/PAT Acceptance?)
• Kickstarter for funding
• Install, Install, Install
• Build Apps that use the API

Hardware

Current design thoughts revolve around using a cheap GPS we buy, combined with a free cell phone, to send SMS messages updating location every minute or so.

API

Questions to Answer

• What is required to make it automatically sync with Google Maps?
  • Bus stop alert sign
• What other mapping things should we support?

Apps

• iPhone/iPad
• Android
• Website (Flat and HTML5)
• Other?