The document summarizes an experiment conducted by four students to determine the fastest route by public transportation from their starting location at Pless Hall to Times Square. They each took different subway routes and recorded their travel times. While the N or R trains were hypothesized to be fastest, the recorded times varied significantly due to unexpected variables like delays, transfers, and incorrect route information. Upon returning via the N/R lines, the students found it was likely the fastest route, taking only 13 minutes from Times Square to near their starting point. Lessons were learned about better planning and data collection for future experiments.
2. The Players and their StrategiesDanielle B/D train from West 4th st. station 47th st. Rockefeller Center Frances N/R from 8th St. NYU 49th st. Katie A/C/E from West 4th st. 50th st. Sherene 6 at Astor Place 42nd st. Grand Central M42 to 42nd & 7th walk to 47th st.
3. HypothesisWe think that if we take the N or R trains, we will get to TKTS the fastest. We think this because the start and end stations are close to our leaving and ending points
5. Unexpected VariablesUnfamiliarity of subway system (downtown vs. uptown, station locations)Sense of directionIncorrect information sources Crowded in Times SquareThere were TWO TKTS boothsTiming variabilityBroken timer (used phone)
6. Traveling time from Pless Hall to TKTS Booth, Times SquareDanielle 25.02Frances 33.28Katie 21.18Sherene 37.14
7. But.Some problems in our data collectionDanielle Was not sure where train station was located. (Probably the most accurate time)Frances went downtown then had to switch to uptown at Canal Street. Had to wait a long time for an uptown train. Katie Went at a faster pace to get to station. Google Maps said that the A train stops at 50th but it doesnt. Had to get off at 57th, transfer to downtown C, then get off at 50th. Sherene Had trouble locating the Astor Place station. Waited until local train came, let 2 express trains leave. Forgot to transfer to S, instead took the bus.
8. ConclusionThe N or R trains should be the fastest. We found this out on the way back, because it took us only 13 minutes to get from the TKTS booth to right outside the subway stop at NYU. It would have only taken us another few minutes to walk to Pless Hall.
9. Next time.Steady walking paceRun through routes once firstBetter strategic planning of train routesMore data collection/data sheetMore accurate and up to date phone appsDouble check data