Real-Time University of Virginia Bus Routes Display System; Sociotechnical Analysis of Transportation Information Systems

Public transportation significantly shapes society, affecting commuter behavior, equity, and environmental sustainability. This research employs Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to analyze how real-time transit information systems impact these areas by comparing two major transit agencies(Transport for London [TfL] and New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority [MTA]). TfL's effective use of centralized governance, open-data initiatives, and robust partnerships fosters a cohesive and reliable real-time information network, improving commuter trust, increasing transit ridership, and supporting environmental sustainability. Conversely, the MTA faces challenges due to fragmented governance structures, outdated infrastructure, and inconsistent technology integration, leading to disparities in information reliability and reduced rider confidence.
The comparative study reveals significant differences rooted in political governance, economic allocation, and technological infrastructure. These differences create varying commuter experiences, particularly affecting marginalized communities who rely heavily on consistent transit services for mobility. The findings underscore that successful real-time transit systems depend on well-integrated networks of stakeholders, technologies, and policies, rather than isolated technical advancements. This research ultimately highlights paths forward for transit agencies to enhance equity, efficiency, and environmental responsibility through improved real-time information integration.

School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Technical Advisor: Adam Barnes
STS Advisor: Joshua Earle
Technical Team Members: Zayda Deese, Dan Tran, Robel Woldegyorgis, Kelly Zhou