Modernizing Transit Data Insights with IBM Z and SAS 9

[MargaretC]

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 agility, enabling more efficient and scalable data processing.

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.

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.

A MetroCard journey through computing history