See the Subways with the MTA’s Live Subway Map

It’s been a long time coming, but the MTA map is finally going digital.

Now officially in beta, the MTA’s “Live Subway Map” is a dynamic interface showing real time train locations, arrival times, and service alerts, among other pertinent info for New York denizens.

And it arrives at a time when subway ridership numbers are suffering.

Notable highlights include:

• Automatically updating train lines: Train lines will redraw themselves using real-time data to illustrate current and accurate train service status.
• Moving trains: Users see trains moving (similar to ride-hailing apps), signaling the live nature of the tool.
• Zoom-In features: Greater map detail is exposed as the user zooms in, including the ability to see individual train lines, subway entrances, station names, and street locations.
• Subway accessibility: The new map highlights accessibility of stations related equipment like elevators and escalators.
• Emergency alerts: The map uses the MTA’s data feed to convey official MTA communications for emergencies.
• Airports: The map visualizes both of NYC’s major airports and the primary means of accessing them via the MTA system.
• Add to homescreen for quick reference: iPhone and Android users can add the map to their homescreen to access the map more quickly.

“This beta map is part of a variety of efforts we’re taking to provide our customers with tools to help ensure their trips are as easy and dependable as possible,” said Sarah Feinberg, Interim President of New York City Transit.

There are undoubtedly some kinks to work out as the format unfolds, and plenty of questions. Will the technology replace the paper-posted service changes at station stops? Will mobile signal be improved in subway stations for easier access? Will electronic kiosks be installed at stations to provide information for those who don’t have a smartphone?

That being said, the MTA is looking for user feedback, which can be submitted through Google Docs.