Development of a Universal Methodology for Public Transport Coverage Assessment using Open Geospatial Data

Miguel Ureña Pliego (MIT Media Lab)

Miguel Ureña Pliego is a Master’s student in Civil Engineering at the UPM, specializing in transportation planning with a research focus on geospatial big data for social impact. He has established an extensive international profile, collaborating on research and publications with institutions such as the University of Costa Rica, TU Wien, UAS Frankfurt, ENSAM, and IUC Cameroon. Currently based at the MIT Media Lab’s City Science Group, he develops innovative geospatial tools for urban mobility, including an A/B testing platform designed to survey individuals and train AI agents to evaluate subjective street perception while analyzing potential algorithmic biases across social groups. His primary project involves developing a universal methodology for assessing public transport coverage using open data, producing high-detail, large-scale maps that empower social advocacy groups to leverage data-driven arguments for improved transit systems. These tools are currently in use by an advocacy group in Boston, supporting a study that compares public transport coverage across the United States with a specific focus on equity.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing the impact of UPM’s research on the global stage!