Exploring pedestrian Bluetooth and WiFi detection at public transportation terminals

This is an on-going study that explores the potential benefits of using pedestrian data for evaluation and enhancement of public transportation. The research team proposes the utilization of Bluetooth (BT) and WiFi technologies to estimate time-dependent origin-destination (OD) demands and station wait-times of transit bus and subway users. The detection approach and a complete system design are discussed in this paper. Preliminary results from multiple pilot field studies, that were conducted at some of the major New York City (NYC) public transportation facilities, are also presented. The main objective of this study is to inquire into the various ways this extensive transit rider data can be used and to establish a general framework through data-driven pedestrian modeling within transit stations that renders estimation of key parameters and strategic control of public transportation services possible.