Boston BRT

New interactive platform for the design of bus rapid transit systems

The Mobility Futures Collaborative in the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP) and the Changing Places group at the MIT Media Lab have developed new interactive tools to better communicate the possible impacts of new transit systems, specifically Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. These tools, including the CityScope and CoAXs, aim to engage community members and stakeholders in neighborhood and street-level decisions related to BRT design and variations. The CityScope utilizes physical models made from LEGO bricks and 3-D projection, while CoAXs is an interactive platform for collaborative transit planning. These tools facilitate constructive discussion, encourage participation, and help build consensus through data-driven interactions and dialogue.

For more information, you can read about it on CityLab and MIT News.

BRT for Boston corridor map and project overview — BRT for Boston corridor study

CityVU interface showing Boston travel-time access and transit route scenarios — CityVU interface for exploring access, travel time, and route scenarios

CityVU BRT interactive street-design demonstration

CityScope installation concept with interactive city and street models — CityScope model concept

Collage of BRT workshops with participants using interactive physical models and attending presentations — BRT workshops and public-engagement sessions

Participant adjusting elements on a projection-mapped street model — A participant adjusts the projection-mapped street model

Community workshop participants gathered around a CityScope model — Community participants with the CityScope model