The Institute for Public Administration at the University of Delaware has collaborated with the Delaware Transit Corporation, which operates DART statewide transit services, to develop three map-based crowdsourcing tools on first mile/last mile bus stop accessibility in Delaware.
Whether its a bus trip to or from work, shopping or home, public transportation doesnt necessarily stop directly in front of a passengers origin or destination. Barriers to riding transit may include incomplete streets that lack safe, connected and well-maintained infrastructure for pedestrians, bicyclists and people with disabilities; some bus stops may lack amenities such as shelters or lighting. DART wants transit riders to provide input on their accessibility to and from a bus stop in Delaware. This is often described as the first mile/last mile transit experience.
Crowdsourcing involves the use of web and mobile-based apps to obtain information, insight and knowledge from the public. DART bus riders are encouraged to use one of three online, map-based tools to share a first mile/last mile accessibility experience. Crowdsourcing tools including a Wikimapia, Geoform and GIS Crowdsource Story Map are available at mobilityde.org. A video on first mile/last mile transit connectivity and video tutorials for each crowdsourcing tool are available at goo.gl/J7TZN6.
Mobility in Motion
The three crowdsourcing tools are part of a statewide Mobility in Motion initiative. Public input and data is being gathered to identify public transit and human services transportation barriers, challenges, and gaps in services in Delaware. The information will be used to develop a Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan, or Coordinated Plan, for Delaware. The CP will serve as a strategic framework for addressing the states existing and future mobility needs. Information collected from the crowdsourcing tools will help to identify needed bus stop accessibility improvements related to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, ADA accessibility and connectivity.
The crowdsourcing tools are not designed to report a roadway condition that should be addressed immediately, such as a traffic signal malfunction. For those issues, contact the Delaware Department of Transportation Transportation Management Center at 659-4600, #77, or deldottmc@state.de.us.
For more on this initiative with UDs IPA, contact msscott@udel.edu or jusmith@udel.edu.
About the Institute for Public Administration
The University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration (IPA)
addresses the policy, planning, and management needs of its partners
through the integration of applied research, professional development,
and the education of tomorrow's leaders.
