‘Revolutionizing RIPTA’ with Hack(RI) launches Oct. 26

RHODE ISLAND'S PUBLIC TRANSIT AGENCY is looking to a hackathon to propel improved service and increased ridership as part of the state's efforts to promote innovation across many agencies. / COURTESY RIPTA
RHODE ISLAND'S PUBLIC TRANSIT AGENCY is looking to a hackathon to propel improved service and increased ridership as part of the state's efforts to promote innovation across many agencies. / COURTESY RIPTA

PROVIDENCE – Hackers are being encouraged to “Revolutionize RIPTA.”
The R.I. Public Transit Authority is participating in the first statewide hackathon hosted by the state of Rhode Island, and the “Revolutionizing RIPTA” portion of Hack(RI) will launch at RIPTA’s Elmwood Avenue headquarters at 705 Elmwood Ave. on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m.
The R.I. Office of Innovation, RIPTA, IntraCity Geeks and MojoTech are inviting coders, designers, entrepreneurs, students, activists and other individuals to brainstorm potential projects during the hackathon, which continues through December.
RIPTA Marketing Manager Daniel Bannister said hackathon participants will be given “real time information” from RIPTA.
“It’s like a contest who can build a better app,” Bannister explained. “It’s open to everybody. We want to get a lot of participation.”
Participants will have access to RIPTA’s real-time, open data transit API (application program interface) to create a transit application, Arnell Milhouse, director of Hack(RI) and Geeks, said.
“RIPTA will bestow awards, prizes, glory, honor and swag to the team that creates the best mobile application,” Milhouse said.
Hackers are free to work on any project they choose, despite the key theme of “Revolutionizing RIPTA,” Milhouse added.

Hack(RI), a free event, is intended for every skill level, and technology professionals will be required to register as a Pro team, to even out the playing field and also to promote Rhode Island technology companies, according to a news release about the event.
Winners of the “Revolutionizing RIPTA” category also will be featured on a RIPTA bus advertisement.
“Hack(RI) is a great example of promoting collaboration across government and technology communities to solve everyday problems,” Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said. “National trends show more transit agencies relying on technology to attract riders and improve the reliability of transit. By harnessing 21st-century technology and innovation, the hackathon will help RIPTA introduce new technologies to provide the customer with better information on bus schedules, routes and trip planning. By making transit more convenient and easy to use, it will attract more riders.”
The “Revolutionizing RIPTA” portion of Hack(RI) also will include meetups leading up to the final event. The three-day concentrated segment of Hack(RI) begins Dec. 2 at TIMES2 STEM Academy, with final presentations and awards set for Dec. 4.
RIPTA, in the release, said it is expecting a strong turnout from transit enthusiasts and members of the Rhode Island technology community.

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