‘Embark NYC’ Wins MTA App Quest
The MTA App Quest winner was announced on Thursday with Embark NYC taking the grand prize. Embark NYC, compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices, offers trip planning, service advisories, and interactive maps and schedules.
“Embark NYC,” built by Taylor Malloy and David Hodge of Embark, was selected out of 42 apps by a nine-member panel and received a $5,000 cash prize. Apps were judged on quality, implementation, and potential impact on MTA riders.
“Free NYC Subway Locator,” created by Jordan Hill of Flatiron Factory, took second prize. This app is only available for Apple iOS devices.
MTA App Quest began in July 2011 with the goal of creating new apps to enhance the way their customers access their database.
All applications are currently available for download.
Newark Airport Receives $70 Million in Investments
In preparation for the 2014 Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium, Newark Liberty International Airport announced on Thursday it will receive $70 million in private sector investments.
“Today’s announcement highlights that by working together, the public and private sectors can help generate jobs and opportunity for our state’s workforce,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno according to a statement.
United Airlines committed $25 million to develop a new wide-body aircraft maintenance hangar, which will result in an estimated 210 jobs.
Signature Flight Support Corp. agreed to invest $11 million for a new passenger terminal and ramp renovation, which will result in an estimated 80 jobs.
Host Hotels and Resorts, which owns the airport Marriott, committed to $34 million in capacity and infrastructure improvements last year, which should result in an estimated 250 jobs. The hotel’s lease was extended for another 40 years by the Port Authority as part of the deal.
State of the Station Platforms Survey Released
The Straphangers Campaign released their first State of the Station Platforms survey finding on Thursday. The survey was conducted from July 11–Sept. 24, 2011 on 120 platforms throughout the city, which is 28 percent of the city’s 909 systemwide platforms.
The observations were broken down into “the good, the bad, and the ugly.” Garbage was given a “good” rating with 100 percent of stations reporting garbage cans on the platform and only one overflowing.
Floor cracks, exposed wiring, graffiti, missing tile, and rats all ranked as “bad” with 11–33 percent of stations having significant problems.
Peeling paint, water damage, and broken light fixtures all made the “ugly” list with at least half of the stations surveyed having significant issues.
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