At the
Customer Technology Department (CTD), our mission is to apply modern principles of research, design, and technology to make our transit system easy for all riders to use. Effective and equitable public transit is essential to the social, economic, and environmental progress of Greater Boston.
The MBTA Customer Technology team is working to transform how people get around the Boston area.
We are a team of designers, engineers, product and content specialists charged with bringing novel ideas, modern standards and a user-centered approach to technology at the T. As the MBTA works to reinvent itself, we have a rare opportunity to craft the future of transportation for Boston and communities all around Eastern Massachusetts, as well as pioneer innovations for other transit agencies around the country.
Do you want to improve the daily transportation experience for 4.7 million people in the Boston region? Ready for the challenge? Then read on.
As a transit data intern on the MBTA Customer Technology team, you will help the MBTA improve our GTFS Pathways data that helps us give better trip planning information to riders with disabilities, and improve real-time arrival predictions. We are seeking someone with some familiarity in coding, data, or spreadsheets who is interested in learning about and modernizing the nuts-and-bolts of a transit agency.
As an intern, you will get guidance and mentorship from the MBTA’s Transit Technology product managers, the Director of Transit Technology, and other members of the MBTA Customer Technology Department. You will be part of a recognized industry-leading team that is rebuilding the technology the MBTA uses to manage and communicate about transit operations so that riders receive the best possible service and real-time information.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct guided field observations that will improve our authoritative digital information (GTFS Pathways) that describes travel connections within MBTA stations.
- Help with reviewing and correcting bus system maps for certain existing shelters. Coordinate their installation with assistance from an MBTA project manager.
- Help Transit Technology product managers to investigate, respond to, and track written complaints from riders about MBTA tools (e.g., bus/train predictions, MBTA.com, official smartphone apps) so that our development teams know what issues we need to fix, and our riders understand that we are listening to them.
- With guidance from senior team members, conduct user research with operations staff and riders. Share feedback back to our team so that we can improve upon the service, processes, and tools that move riders every day.
- Help configure, deploy, and support the devices that MBTA officials use to access digital dispatching tools like Skate and Glides.
- Help configure, deploy, and support other Customer Technology tools used by operations staff and riders.
We’d love to hear from you if:
- You have an interest in transit or transportation and how it operates
- You have some formal experience with technology or computer science (e.g., some coursework, on-the-job experience, or other experiences beyond just using consumer tech)
- You like helping others use technology to make their lives better (even if they aren’t as technology-savvy as you are)
- You have experience working responsibly with sensitive items, systems, or data (e.g., handling money, personal information, or credentials)
- You have experience (part-time or full-time) working in the service industry or another field where you worked directly with the public
- You are highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail
- You are a current college or graduate school student
Minimum Education:
- A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) from an accredited institution
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college or graduate school program
Hiring Process:
- We are committed to equal opportunity
- 60-minute final round interview with team members
- Guaranteed response (no ghosting!)
Location:
Primarily on-site (either in-office or on the system) with hybrid work at MBTA’s discretion
Compensation:
Undergraduate students: $16.50 - $19.50 per hour.
Graduate students: $21 - $24 per hour.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
CTD is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment—it’s essential to the work we do. In order to effectively partner with MBTA departments and do our best work for riders, our team must reflect the wide variety of people who use the MBTA’s services. We welcome people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds who share a passion for improving people’s lives. Our team is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and continual learning. We strive to foster an environment where each individual is valued, feels a sense of belonging, and is welcomed to bring their best self to work.
Here at CTD, we provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate, and manage all personnel without regard to race, color, national origin, cultural identification or expression, socioeconomic background, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, family status, marital status, learning style, neurodiversity, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other non-merit based or legally protected grounds.
Research has shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for roles unless they believe they meet all qualifications. We strongly encourage candidates from marginalized groups to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the job qualifications listed. We’re committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to hear from anyone who is passionate about our efforts and interested in supporting our work for riders.
