MTA Doesn't Mind Apps As Much

Guess what—we may be seeing more applications using MTA data, because the MTA is easing up on its previously strict stance where it would threaten lawsuits over copyright infringement and intellectual property theft. The NY Times reports, "pressure from politicians and technology advocates had been growing for the authority" to open up its data to developers to create applications with timetables, finding subway stops and more. "The authority said its core policy had not changed: it asks for fees only if developers use copyrighted material like the round symbols for subway routes." The MTA also admits, "We don’t have a staff that sits around thinking about apps."

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By Jen Chung in News on September 28, 2009 5:05 PM

Comments [rss]

FJF

But they do have a staff that just sits around. They don't think about anything.

eyekantspel

The MTA also admits, "We don’t have a staff that sits around thinking about apps."

Gee, there's a surprise.

If MTA staff were capable of thinking, they would probably create a "$$ Down the Drain" app.

BP Jackson

Maybe they should have a staff that sits around thinking about apps. Perhaps those brick-and-mortar folks over at Real Estate Division have some time on their hands.

Noreaster76

I disagree. The MTA should focus on its primary mission, which is to transport people from A to B. Information about its schedules, locations, and vehicles is already freely available to all, so they lose nothing by making that information available without restrictions and in a format that is most conducive to developing apps by non-MTA employees.

BP Jackson

Sorry, my sarcasm tag is broken. My point is that they are/were overextended via a frothy real-estate market. Now that that's cooled, we're paying more in fares! How the health of P/A and MTA has been so linked to real estate (as investment not property for immediate A-to-B use as you suggest) is probably worthy an investigation and possible state oversight. The political appointees who run that show will never de-capitalize like that, so the show goes on. Might as well invest in green tech, software development--you know they do the latest junk on Wall St.