Port Authority Wins 2019 Government Experience Award

RidePATH, CrossingTime, MyTerminal Apps and New Websites for JFK, LGA and EWR Honored By Center for Digital Government

On Oct 1, 2019

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that its Mobile Portals Project earned the 2019 Government Experience Award from the Center for Digital Government for its highly innovative digital user experience.

The Mobile Portals Project encompasses three mobile applications and four websites where real-time transit data is readily available for the millions of people who live, work, and travel across the New York and New Jersey region each day.

“In a world where up-to-the-minute traffic updates are the norm, it is absolutely necessary that the Port Authority makes this technology available to our customers,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We’re proud to be recognized for the advancements made to our mobile portals for the benefit of commuters and travelers.”

“Providing real-time information on travelers’ smartphones is a core element in assisting customers plan their travels and in improving their travel experiences,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Being a recipient of the 2019 Government Experience Award from the Center for Digital Government demonstrates the agency’s commitment to the people we serve every day.”

The Mobile Portals Project includes the successful development of three mobile applications – RidePATH, CrossingTime and MyTerminal – that convey real-time transit information for regional train, car and bus travelers.

RidePATH keeps PATH riders informed of real-time train arrivals and service alerts; CrossingTime provides real-time traffic data for the Port Authority’s six bridge and tunnel crossings; and My Terminal communicates detailed service updates for Port Authority Bus Terminal commuters. In 2018, the mobile applications achieved 65,000 downloads and 25,000 daily users.

Additionally, the project incorporates responsive and user-friendly websites for John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty International and New York Stewart International Airports. Overall user satisfaction jumped 7.7% at JFK, 5% at Newark Airport, and 4.7% at LaGuardia in 2018 due to these massive digital upgrades, which were supported by digital management company DMI.

“I’m delighted that the team’s efforts to deliver three new apps and four updated, easy-to-use websites are being recognized for enhancing the lives of the millions of citizens we serve every day,” said Port Authority Chief Technology Officer Robert Galvin.

This award is one of several examples of the agency’s commitment to providing 21st century amenities aimed at improving the customer experience. Recently the Port Authority was the recipient of the CIO 100 Award for swift and proactive development of the mobile applications and websites. At JFK, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia and Stewart, the agency has introduced free, high-speed Wi-Fi to passengers. In PATH stations, cell phone service through Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile is now available, while countdown clocks show train arrival and departure schedules in real time. At the three Staten Island bridges – Goethals, Bayonne, and Outerbridge – a cashless tolling system has been installed to ease traffic flow and decrease air pollution and congestion.

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