Metroly Bus Tracker
OVERVIEW In 2012, the NYC MTA decided to release an API for the real-time GPS positioning of their public buses. They held a competition to see who could build the best app using their API. Three friends and I decided to enter the competition. Although our app wasn't chosen as the winner we were still happy with what we built and so we decided to release MetrolyApp.com as a free to use website for commuters.
CHALLENGE The objective was simple, the user lands on the application, filters for the specific bus route they need, and sees exactly where the next bus is. Since commuters normally take 1-3 bus routes, we also added a way for them to save certain routes to their 'Favorites' for quick access next time.
In order to keep things organized in the zoomed out view, the commuter would only see the bus route and current bus positions. When they zoom in on the map, we display the locations of the bus stops.
EFFICIENCY Since most commuters would use our app on their phones, we implemented a way of preserving battery life and using less of their mobile data. The user was able to toggle whether they wanted to refresh every 15 seconds, 60 seconds, or go offline completely incase they decided to grab a cup of coffee.
LOGO DESIGN For the logo, I tried sketching a number of ideas. I really wanted to come up with something that mimicked the lines and curves of a bus route. Ultimately we ended up with a logo that was clean, fun and professional.
