FMCSA challenges students to create next SaferBus app

Last month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration launched SaferBus, the smartphone app that allows bus travelers to view motorcoach safety data before buying their tickets or boarding their bus. That app has already been well-received and is making a difference for consumers across the country.

Today, FMCSA is challenging student developers to take our safety data one step further. The US DOT Motorcoach Safety Data Student Challenge asks software developers to create apps and online solutions that go beyond SaferBus in helping consumers make smart safety decisions about their bus travel.

DOT makes available to the public performance data about interstate commercial bus companies, but it will take a consumer-minded developer to transform that raw data into innovative, user-friendly tools for travelers.

What data do bus passengers need to make the smartest travel decisions?  What information will travelers need to key in to get the results that serve them best?  What's a useful format for the results?

If you think you have what it takes, visit www.challenge.gov to learn more about this exciting contest and put yourself on the road to developing an app that helps people make smart safety decisions. And if you know someone who might be interested in competing, please spread the word. The more people who submit their ideas, the greater the odds that some young developer can take safe bus travel smartphone applications to the next level.

The Motorcoach Safety Data Student Challenge is open to all U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are 18 years or older and enrolled at a fully-accredited higher education institution, or planning to enroll in the fall of 2012 or winter of 2013. Submissions will be accepted starting April 30, 2012 through August 1, 2012. Winners will be announced on September 20, 2012.

For complete details on contest eligibility requirements and rules, please visit www.challenge.gov.

Comments

[Vasi Atanasova]

This App is great idea! There surely will be some young, consumer oriented software developer who will develop the add you and the public needs. This is in fact a great idea for an
app for the commercial transportation industry. We will be thinking about it.

[Peterbilt Chrome]

If they really want to make the app safer they need to include crime statistics for drop-offs and destinations. Half the reason I don't take the bus more often is the only depots available are dilapidated and crime ridden.

Lets get our buses running on natural gas and start saving money now!

[Asi A.]

Great idea "use" young fresh brains for old problems!