Project Overview
The TrackBus project aimed to develop a proof-of-concept crowd-sourced application to address the challenge of tracking PTSC (Public Transport Service Corporation) buses between San Fernando and the University of the West Indies (UWI). The project leveraged mobile technology to provide real-time location estimates for the buses, enabling users to track their movements and plan their commute effectively.
Problem Statement
Commuting between San Fernando and UWI was a common challenge for students due to the lack of reliable information about bus schedules and locations. The absence of real-time tracking systems and limited access to mobile data made it difficult for students to plan their journeys and manage their time efficiently.
Goals and Objectives
The main goals of the TrackBus project were:
- Develop an Android mobile application to allow users to track PTSC buses in real-time.
- Provide estimated departure and arrival times for buses departing from both UWI and San Fernando.
- Create a crowd-sourced platform where users could update bus departure and arrival times to improve accuracy.
- Utilize Kotlin programming language and Google Maps API to implement location estimation features without relying on in-bus Wi-Fi.
Research and Planning
Extensive research was conducted to understand the technological constraints of PTSC buses, student demographics, and mobile network availability. Planning involved defining user personas, user journeys, and wireframing the app's user interface. The team also researched the best practices for integrating Google Maps API to provide accurate location information.
Design and Development Process
The design and development process consisted of several phases:
- UI/UX Design: The user interface was designed to be intuitive and easy to use, focusing on displaying bus schedules and tracking information.
- App Development: The app was developed using Kotlin, integrating Google Maps API for location tracking. Backend services were set up to handle user inputs and provide updated information to users.
- Location Estimation: Since PTSC buses lacked Wi-Fi, the team used a combination of GPS and network-based location estimation to provide accurate location updates to users.
Challenges and Solutions
Challenges faced during the project included:
- Limited Data Availability: To overcome the low availability of mobile data among students, the app was designed to use minimal data and update only when necessary.
- Accuracy of Location Estimation: The team implemented advanced algorithms to improve the accuracy of location estimation based on available data sources.
- Crowdsourced Data: To encourage user participation and ensure data accuracy, incentives were considered, such as gamification and rewards for users contributing accurate information.
Results and Impact
While the project was not released due to funding constraints, it demonstrated the feasibility of creating a crowd-sourced PTSC bus tracking solution. The proof-of-concept app showcased the potential to significantly improve the commuting experience for students by providing real-time bus tracking and estimated arrival times. The project also highlighted the need for accurate and up-to-date transportation information.
Learnings and Reflections
The TrackBus project provided valuable insights into the challenges of developing a transportation tracking app in a resource-constrained environment. The learnings included the importance of optimizing data usage, refining location estimation algorithms, and incentivizing user participation.
Reflecting on the project, I plan to revisit it in the latter half of 2023, leveraging new technologies and potentially seeking funding to bring the app to fruition and provide value to the commuting students of the University of the West Indies.
By revisiting the project, the developer aims to address the limitations faced during the initial development phase and contribute to enhancing the daily commuting experience for the university students.