SafeTransit Chicago

A safety-aware transit routing application for Chicago, built using CTA Bus and Train APIs. This application helps users find the safest and most efficient routes in Chicago using public transportation.

Features

• Real-time CTA bus and train tracking
• Route planning with safety considerations
• Interactive map display of transit options
• Mobile-responsive web interface

Project Structure

This project is organized into two main components:

• Frontend: React + TypeScript application
• Backend: Node.js + Express API server

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v14+ recommended)
• npm or yarn
• API keys:
  • CTA Bus Tracker API key
  • CTA Train Tracker API key
  • Mapbox API key (for maps)

Setup Instructions

Backend Setup

1. Navigate to the backend directory:

   cd backend
   

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install
   

3. Create a .env file with your API keys (see .env.example for template)

4. Start the development server:

   npm run dev
   

The backend server will start on http://localhost:3001

Frontend Setup

1. Navigate to the frontend directory:

   cd frontend
   

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install
   

3. Add your Mapbox API key in src/components/Map/MapComponent.tsx

4. Start the development server:

   npm start
   

The frontend application will start on http://localhost:3000

API Endpoints

Bus Endpoints

• GET /api/transit/bus/routes - Get all bus routes
• GET /api/transit/bus/routes/:routeId/directions - Get directions for a route
• GET /api/transit/bus/routes/:routeId/stops - Get stops for a route
• GET /api/transit/bus/routes/:routeId/vehicles - Get vehicles for a route
• GET /api/transit/bus/routes/:routeId/predictions - Get predictions for a route
• GET /api/transit/bus/stops/:stopId/predictions - Get predictions for a stop

Train Endpoints

• GET /api/transit/train/stations - Get all train stations
• GET /api/transit/train/stations/:stationId/arrivals - Get arrivals for a station
• GET /api/transit/train/stops/:stopId/arrivals - Get arrivals for a stop
• GET /api/transit/train/routes/:routeCode/arrivals - Get arrivals for a route
• GET /api/transit/train/routes/:routeCode/locations - Get train locations for a route
• GET /api/transit/train/runs/:runNumber/follow - Follow a specific train

Route Planning

• GET /api/transit/route - Get route between origin and destination

Resources

• CTA Bus Tracker API
• CTA Train Tracker API
• Chicago Open Data Portal

Future Enhancements

• Integration with crime data for safety routing
• Real-time alerts for transit delays
• User accounts for saving favorite routes
• Accessibility features