100 Improvements to the New York Subway

 Hey everyone! Since this project ended, I've taken a bit of an extended break. During that time, I moved to Texas, taken up a spot at IBM Design, and have been working in the world of enterprise software, focusing on user experience, design thinking, and product strategy.

Naturally, when you take on a job like this, you tend to slack off on personal projects, which ends today.

My next project is a bit of fun, where I'll be applying ideas from the internet of things to objects and situations that don't need them in the slightest.

The Efficient Passenger Project is here to fine-tune your commute.

The EPP (Or Efficient Passenger Project) is extremely rad. If you're interested in improving the subway, check them out. They've placing Boarding signs throughout the stations to let you know what the most efficient place to stand on the platform is. There's a few different apps that do this, but I like the physical approach. 

Well, there's a variety of reasons, one being that we have to use a system that wasn't built for incremental upgrades.  But if we as a community come together & work with those in charge, we can figure out how to have a modern system. 

Join transit blogger Ben Kabak of Second Ave. Sagas in this continuing series of compelling one-on-one interviews with transit employees, thought leaders, innovators and “problem solvers.” This month Kabak sits down with designer Randy Gregory, creator of the online project 100 Ways to Improve the Subway. Gregory's 100 proposals, which range from subway car flooring suggestions to smell detectors, take an inventive and practical approach to improving nearly every aspect of the subway system.

Rad! Thanks!

The Bronx Brewery has generously donated beer for the 100 Ways to Improve The Subway one night event. 

So basically if you're in NYC, you have no reason not to show up, have a few beers with me, talk innovation, and see a community devoted to improving the subway in NYC. 

Register Now!

If you're one of the first 100, you get one of these.

Reminder, October 8th, one night only event for 100 Ways to Improve The Subway!

Open bar, and a super hip display space in Soho.

I am thrilled to announce that on October 8th, the Rider's Alliance, a grassroots organization dedicated to winning better transit by organizing transit riders into a powerful political constituency, is putting on a one-night exhibition for the 100 Ways to Improve the NYC Subway.

Come out from 6:30-8:30, at the Soho Gallery for Digital Arts.

Free wine + beer, and the chance to see my images on multiple digital displays. Come out and say hello!

http://www.sohodigart.com/

100. Love.

This is the view from my new apartment in Queens. I get to see the Chrysler building, and Empire from the street. And I love it. 

Love the fact that in New York, we get to ride from Coney Island to The Bronx for $2.50.

Love the fact that you can see a dozen various street performers, multiple pieces of art (even inside the trains!), and the most diverse culture in the U.S.

Love that you don't have spend oodles of money on gas, oil, car insurance, and objects like windshield wipers.

Love the view you get of 5 Pointz when you enter Queens.

Love the view of the water when you go into Brooklyn. 

Find your reasons to love the NYC Subway.

If you love something, you'll treat it better. You'll care more. Over 100 days, I have developed a deep love of this system, and I've discovered a diverse group of people who share my opinions. Starting soon, I'll be devoting some time with an organization called the Station Alliance, who is dedicated to improving the quality of all of the stations in NYC. I'll document what I'm doing with them here.

99. Smile.

A 2008 article published the British Journal of Medicine showed that smiling is actually contagious, and is a enabler of happiness. So next time you're on the subway, smile. Don't do it in a creepy way, mind you, but smile, and you'll feel better about your day. 

And if you see me, smile at me, and I'll smile right back. Thank you for being a part of this. 

98. Be kind to the employees

97. Don't exercise.

96. Take the bus.

Recently, I had the opportunity to take the bus, and what stunned me is what I got to see. New businesses, new people, beautiful architecture.