https://communities.sas.com/t5/Administration-and-Deployment/Modernizing-Transit-Data-Insights-with-IBM-Z-and-SAS-9/m-p/988656#M30819 <P>The MTA in Canada is using SAS 9 and IBM Z to modernize the way it analyzes data collected with each MetroCard swipe. IBM Z hardware and software deliver enhanced AI accuracy, productivity, and <STRONG>agility</STRONG>, enabling more efficient and scalable data processing.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>This data is captured in a packed decimal format, which must be converted into a more readable form before being transferred to the organization’s cloud-based data lake. The packed decimal format is similar to EBCDIC, which runs on IBM Z. By using SAS on z/OS to process this data, the MTA has been able to overcome challenges in accessing critical information.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>This approach allows them to analyze who is using MetroCards, what types of transportation methods are being used, and how frequently—key insights needed to identify trends and improve decision-making.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P><A href="https://www.mta.info/article/metrocard-journey-through-computing-history" target="_blank">A MetroCard journey through computing history</A></P> Mon, 25 May 2026 13:49:56 GMT MargaretC 2026-05-25T13:49:56Z https://communities.sas.com/t5/Administration-and-Deployment/Modernizing-Transit-Data-Insights-with-IBM-Z-and-SAS-9/m-p/988656#M30819 <P>The MTA in Canada is using SAS 9 and IBM Z to modernize the way it analyzes data collected with each MetroCard swipe. IBM Z hardware and software deliver enhanced AI accuracy, productivity, and <STRONG>agility</STRONG>, enabling more efficient and scalable data processing.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>This data is captured in a packed decimal format, which must be converted into a more readable form before being transferred to the organization’s cloud-based data lake. The packed decimal format is similar to EBCDIC, which runs on IBM Z. By using SAS on z/OS to process this data, the MTA has been able to overcome challenges in accessing critical information.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>This approach allows them to analyze who is using MetroCards, what types of transportation methods are being used, and how frequently—key insights needed to identify trends and improve decision-making.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P><A href="https://www.mta.info/article/metrocard-journey-through-computing-history" target="_blank">A MetroCard journey through computing history</A></P> Mon, 25 May 2026 13:49:56 GMT https://communities.sas.com/t5/Administration-and-Deployment/Modernizing-Transit-Data-Insights-with-IBM-Z-and-SAS-9/m-p/988656#M30819 MargaretC 2026-05-25T13:49:56Z