Reducing Peak Transit Demand


Case Study: Reducing Peak Transit Demand

Traveling during rush hours and special events can be a headache for commuters. Transit systems reach capacity, creating longer travel times, safety concerns, and general frustration for riders.

City Tech convened Mastercard, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), ideas42, and Syniverse to create a low-cost, efficient, and consumer-friendly text message system to alleviate public transit congestion on the CTA Red Line during Cubs night games.

By sending different text message reminders to over 2,000 opted-in residents before Cubs games, we were able to shift nearly 18% of Red Line traffic during peak periods, proving that cost-effective demand management tools can reduce congestion impact, improve transit system management and rider experience, and provide a blueprint for public-private partnerships to fund ongoing incentive programs.

See How a Simple Text Message Can Improve Your Commute


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