Project
Tech Specs
- Decoupled Drupal 8
- React.js
- Responsive design
- Amazon IoT (Internet of things)
Background
New system needed to support modern signage
The MTA manages the world’s largest public transit system, helping over 11 million passengers get around New York City every day. Subway riders rely on the MTA’s website for travel information to help them know when their train will arrive. The agency needed a way to display information from their website on digital signs in subway stations and platforms.
The data was complex and constantly changing, representing a massive network of trains, tracks, and stations — which needed to display reliably and in real time to keep riders informed. Acquia and CivicActions worked with MTA to extend the agency’s existing Drupal CMS to a network of devices using Amazon’s Internet of Things (IoT).
Approach
Helpful, timely info for transit riders
We helped MTA set the modern standard for using digital signage to communicate train arrival times, weather info, and service updates — making it easier for riders to plan their routes and get there on time.
Open source = cost effective
Choosing open source technology over expensive proprietary software helps the MTA lower costs and avoid vendor lock-in. Open source also offers a more flexible web-publishing approach than complex legacy solutions.
Streamlined, accessible content management
The MTA needed a single administrative site that could manage a lot of data from a variety of external feeds. We developed a Drupal 8 content model to support the MTA’s administrative dashboard so even non-technical users can make changes themselves.
Flexible solution for many devices
The MTA needed to display data reliably regardless of the device or front-end design. We created a custom decoupled (headless) Drupal theme built in React.js to adapt to different screen sizes and mobile platforms.
Connecting the Internet of Things
We built the system to connect to 3,000+ unique digital signs with AWS Internet of Things. Location-specific data for each platform is delivered instantaneously to display information that is relevant to riders.
Built-in resilience for continuous service
A few seconds can make a big difference when navigating the world’s largest subway. We made sure the system could compensate for internet lapses to keep data flowing in real time.
Making room to grow
We simplified the front-end architecture to push data from a central location to a huge number of devices. The MTA can scale the new system to accommodate signs for the entire subway system as it changes and grows.
CivicActions engineers were able to carry through complex technical requirements so that an entire city's worth of data could be captured, parsed, and displayed in a matter of a few seconds. Mike Madison, Senior Technical Architect, Acquia
Impact
- Subway riders have a better travel experience with up-to-date info
- MTA administrators easily manage data on a familiar platform
- Real time data helps modernize public transportation
- Flexible system accommodates future growth
Explore
Learn more about the subway
History and fun facts from the MTA
Technical deep dive
Powering Subway Signage with Drupal 8 and AWS IoT
In-depth perspective from our partner
Acquia: Metropolitan Transportation Authority Case Study
Find out when your next train gets in
Riders using real time
info every day
New clocks added
in 400 subway stations
