Assistant Professor Mark Palmer, third from right, and his students exhibit one of the iPad kiosk designs for the Transit-to-Transit Causeway project.
The MD-184 Manufacturing Processes class at Chattanooga State will be partnering with CARTA, Prova Group LLC, The Transit App, Bike Chattanooga, and BikeWalk Chattanooga to create a multi-modal transportation conversation by employing the role of associated technology.
The Transit-to-Transit Causeway project will engage students by using interactive and experimental learning opportunities for new public technology resources. The goal is to provide a prototype to connect people with places in Chattanooga and be less intimidated by public transportation whether it’s the CARTA bus, Electric Shuttle or Bike Chattanooga.
"Public transportation is a key element for cities with sustainable and growing economies, but locally there are few resources available in the downtown area that actually show people the scheduling details of their bus or bike trip. The Transit App will allow people to see quickly where they are and where they need to go," officials said.
Mark Palmer is one of the professors who teaches MD-184 and works with CARTA representatives to provide them viable working iPad kiosks. “This was an excellent example of manufacturing processes, from conception, to design, to the actual building of the kiosk that allows the students to experience real life issues. For example, CAD drawings had to be changed several times as enhancements/improvements were decided upon; the schedule had to altered because the steel order did not arrive when it was expected; and discussions ensued about what color to paint the kiosk. But as in real life situations, issues were resolved and three totally different a products were delivered that may significantly enhance the way that members of the public interface with public transportation,” stated Mr. Palmer.
For more information about enrolling in the MD-184 class for spring 2015 and being involved in this project, contact Mark Palmer, assistant professor of Engineering Technology at 423-697-3274 or mark.palmer@chattanoogastate.edu.