Mobile Transit Rider Information Via Universal Design and Crowdsourcing

19 Extensive interviews with riders of the Pittsburgh bus system revealed that, as the top 20 priority, riders want to know the current location of buses. Using a universal design 21 methodology, we designed a system, named Tiramisu, to foster a greater sense of community 22 between riders and transit bus service providers. Our design focuses on crowd-sourcing 23 acquisition of information about bus location and fullness, predicting the arrival time of buses, 24 and providing a convenient platform for reporting problems and positive experiences within the 25 transit system. This will create a user community of riders that are participating in the delivery of 26 service. Tiramisu also supports specific information and reporting needs for riders with 27 disabilities, thereby providing greater independent mobility around the community. Early field 28 testing of Tiramisu suggests our approach is both feasible and potentially viable. In summary, 29 Tiramisu is valuable enough for riders to commit time and effort to its use to produce a sustained 30