Unlock Your Solution with New Open Data

Unlock Innovative Transport Solutions with New Open Data

Are you an innovator looking to transform the passenger experience? Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is inviting you to take part in the Context Aware Travel Innovation Challenge - a chance to trial your cutting-edge solutions and help shape the future of public transport information.

This exciting challenge is focused on developing context aware solutions that provide passengers with personalised, adaptive, and relevant information during their journeys, especially when dealing with uneplanned disruptions. By leveraging real-time data, smart analytics, and user-centred design, these solutions have the power to put passengers in control, reducing uncertainty and empowering informed decisions.

But the real game-changer? The wealth of new open data that participants can tap into to fuel their innovations. Let's dive into two of the latest datasets that could supercharge your submission:

1. Taxi Ranking Data 

Imagine a solution that can tell passengers in real-time how many taxis are available at nearby ranks and the estimated wait times. With the new Taxi Ranking API, this is now a reality.

By tapping into this data feed, you can build solutions that help customers make informed choices about their transport options. The API provides static information about taxi ranks across NSW, including location details and operating hours. But the real-time data is where things get interesting - you'll have access to live updates on the number of taxis and passengers at each rank, allowing your solution to give customers accurate wait time estimates.

Just think of the possibilities: your solution could suggest the closest rank with the shortest wait, or even enable customers to reserve a spot in the queue. This kind of contextual information can make a huge difference in helping passengers navigate disruptions and get to their destination as smoothly as possible.

2. Real-time Car Park Occupancy 

Another valuable dataset comes in the form of real-time car park occupancy data for TfNSW's Park&Ride facilities. These car parks are strategically located near public transport hubs, providing commuters with a convenient way to connect to trains, buses, and ferries.

By tapping into the Car Park API, you can build solutions that give customers up-to-the-minute information on available parking spaces. Imagine a solution that not only shows current occupancy levels but also provides predictive insights, helping passengers time their arrival to find a free spot. This kind of contextual information can be a game-changer, empowering customers to make informed decisions about their multimodal journeys.

These are just two examples of the rich datasets available to participants in the Context Aware Travel Innovation Challenge. From real-time disruption alerts to personalised travel recommendations, the possibilities are endless.

_{Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are presented solely for the purpose of fostering innovation, sparking discussion, and inspiring potential solutions. They do not represent the official stance, policies, or endorsements of the organisation.}