As discussed by Tiffany Nelms during our in class meeting and during AWE’s grant request, transportation is a major issue facing the asylees living in Baltimore. Navigating the public transit system in Baltimore can be intimidating and expensive, as well as confusing if one is unfamiliar with routes, connections and methods of travel.
Baltimore’s MTA has three main modes of transportation, the metro, bus and light rail for commuting within the city and county region. The MARC train leaving from Penn station in Mt. Royal (north of the inner harbor) allows for travel along much of the east coast. In this case, its routes to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia are of the most interest as it would allow for asylees to get to work should they happen to find employment in either of these locations. An easy to use website section simplifying the cluttered MTA version of Baltimore’s mass transit department would be of great help to AWE. It would be something available not only to those directly involved with AWE, but also a virtual hub for other asylees in the greater Baltimore area looking for help with transportation.
The intended audience is asylees unfamiliar with Baltimore’s mass transit. They may or may not be involved with AWE. It would also include asylees looking to come to Baltimore to take advantage of resources like AWE through transportation methods like the MARC train to other cities or the lightrail to pick them up from BWI airport.
Incorporated media should primarily include simplified maps and a guide to landmarks and locations within Baltimore City and County. A currency table may be helpful as public transportation prices vary based on the type of transit used as well as the length or frequency of the trips. Making sure the asylees are comfortable with the process of buying tickets at stations and navigating would be a priority. I’m not sure about the extent to which we can make these features interactive, I think the primary focus should be accessibility rather than flashiness from things like traceable routes.
A project done by the University of Vermont may provide insight into the development of this web feature through their research on the transportation needs and challenges faced by refugees in the North Eastern United States. Even if it does not add much to our web page, it may be an important asset for AWE to gain a better understanding of the challenges refugees face.
http://www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-10-018.pdf
The MTA website is overwhelming in its layout and information presentation but will need to be consulted in order to provide accurate information on the updated AWE site.
http://www.mdtrip.org/maps-schedules-fares/?gclid=CNiFvJWL6NICFV5MDQodazsKvQ
some sort of table representing US currency and the corresponding amounts and/or combinations required to purchase tickets for MTA transit may be helpful as well.
(couldn’t figure out how to cite these properly, sorry!)
Its really well detailed but in an elevator pitch where you’re face to face with someone, you won’t necessarily have graphs and pictures to assist you.
I like that you want to include this information. It will be helpful to the asylees AWE works with. They are the secondary audience though? Do you think there is any information that can be provided on this page for the primary audience? Maybe why transportation is so important, so potential donors and the public know the need for this.
Incorporating photos and multiple citations shows detailed research, helps make a point, and adds flair simultaneously. This pitch was very insightful.
You put a lot of thought and time into this idea and it really shows. I think a more useful map would be perfect for asylum seekers who have moved here. I wonder how it would be incorporated into the site but the idea itself seems like a must have to help out the new family and reduce their stress.
I like what you’re suggesting, but I feel like you should draw it back to the AWE more to remind the viewer a couple times what the purpose of your pitch is for.
I liked that you used pictures to make your point. Having a guide like this on the website would be helpful for the people looking to AWE for help.
I think it’s crucial that people fleeing to this country do not have their discomfort multiplied by Baltimore city. Anyone not directly from the City would be confused by the public transportation system. Asylees are especially apt to being confused. This sounds like a great way to ease the burden a little bit.
I love the idea of making the city map more easily readable for those who are not used to Baltimore. I think it is vital that those who are coming here for refuge are able to learn at there own pace, and a simplified map would solve this. Great job.
I like actually focusing on transportation; people don’t have cars automatically when they come here so focusing on that seems like it would be helpful.