TOST
Developed a transit management software (full stack) for creating and managing GTFS industry standard file for bus routes used by major transit companies in the United States.
Introduction
The TOST project stands out as a beacon of innovation, designed to revolutionize the management of public transit systems. With a focus on simplifying the complexities of General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) file creation and management, TOST has set a new standard for operational efficiency in the transit industry. This case study explains the project's journey from conception to deployment, highlighting the challenges, technological choices, collaborative efforts, and achievements that mark its success.
Project Summary
TOST is an advanced public transit and GTFS management system that aims to streamline and optimize transit operations. By facilitating the creation, management, and generation of GTFS files, along with managing driver shifts through an innovative operations board, TOST simplifies transit system management on a comprehensive scale. This project was driven by the need to provide transit companies with a user-friendly, efficient, and performance-oriented solution to handle their operational demands.
Objectives and Challenges
The TOST project was conceived with clear objectives in mind, targeting specific challenges within the transit industry:
- Develop a user-friendly admin interface for managing transit operations.
- Enable easy creation and modification of GTFS files.
- Introduce an advanced trip timetable board for efficient scheduling.
- Simplify internal GTFS management processes.
- Ensure the platform's responsiveness and performance with auto-save features.
- Automate the generation of driver shifts and consolidate agency operations on a single board. One of the project's major hurdles was the team's initial unfamiliarity with the transit industry's regulations and the GTFS system, necessitating a steep learning curve to align the solution with industry standards.
Research and Technological Choices
The choice of technology stack was pivotal in achieving a fast, interactive, and aesthetically pleasing application. The selected technologies include:
- Node.js for the API layer, providing a scalable and efficient backend.
- Google Cloud Storage for secure and scalable storage solutions.
- Cloud Tasks and Cloud Run for managing operations and queuing systems, ensuring smooth task execution.
- Nuxt.js/Vue.js for the front end, chosen for their flexibility and performance in building dynamic user interfaces.
- Service Workers and IndexedDB optimize web performance, enabling offline capabilities and faster load times. This technological foundation was chosen to meet the project's goals of performance, user-friendliness, and aesthetic appeal.
Approach and Contribution
The development process was highly collaborative, involving close coordination between me and a designer. The approach to building the MVP included discussions about feature requirements, sketching designs, and direct implementation using a design system. This iterative process ensured that each feature was user-centric and aligned with the project's overall vision.
Achievement
The TOST project culminated in significant achievements within a remarkably short timeframe:
- The MVP was built and launched in just 3 months, with a first preview available in the fourth month.
- The platform has been recognized for its performance and user-friendly interface, catering to both individual users and large companies.
- TOST now serves as a pivotal tool in public transit management, offering features such as public feed URLs and an efficient feed generator.
Duration The project was completed in 4 months, a testament to the team's dedication and efficient workflow.