joieman
Member
Flixbus coaches have suddenly started tracking on Bustimes as of this morning. Unfortunately, their identities are all in code!
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Someone's flicked a switch?Flixbus coaches have suddenly started tracking on Bustimes as of this morning. Unfortunately, their identities are all in code!
Fleet list – FlixBus – bustimes.org
Looks like it’s been unswitched. The buses are tracking on the map, but there is none of that weird stuff with the fleetlistSomeone's flicked a switch?
It is tracking now. There was a glitch in tracking of around 20 minutes around the time that you posted.
markymark2000
On Moderation
Seems to be a common thing at the minute with Traveline data in the Buckinghamshire Council area. Routes keep going randomly missing. The issue is the alternative data sources for Red Group (BODS) the data is just as bad. Hopefully between Buckinghamshire Council and Traveline they can sort whatever the issue is.
Redline routes are definitely still missing from the timetables page. The buses are still tracking on the maps though. For example MX09HHL is showing on the 6A only the 6 and 6A have no timetable showing. Likewise for the 130. A couple buses showing on map but no timetable, Others missing include the 2, WP1 etc. The Red Rose 16 does not show on the Timetable page for me either. I've no doubt about it was tracking though. Likewise Red Rose 1, 1E, 9 & 10 etc
I'm also finding the fares pages of some operators that used to show data are not doing so at the moment. I guess this is to do with that is uploaded by the operator or the agent they use?
I'm also finding the fares pages of some operators that used to show data are not doing so at the moment. I guess this is to do with that is uploaded by the operator or the agent they use?
SSmith2009
Member
Centrebus (North) are the same for some routes.
I think around June, as that was the first time it was mentioned in this thread.
Ah thanks. Apparently I didn't go back in the thread far enough!
joieman
Member
The page for Ipswich Buses' withdrawn 62 (PJ54 YZV) strangely has a thumbnail of 62 in the top right corner.
TR673
Member
Relating to that, for the past couple of weeks the page for Littles Travel B7RLE B4, has also had an image added in the top right corner (as seen here)
Since that's my mate's photo I asked how it'd been done, but it was the first they even knew of it! So we genuinely don't know how it got there. Although unlike the Ipswich example, it is actually a link to Flickr rather than just a thumbnail.
joieman
Member
Having looked at the page of Littles B4, it does appear that the said photo is presently its newest on Flickr. But the photo of Ipswich 62 doesn't even seem to be on Flickr at all.
Highland050261
Member
Its a new thing bustimes is pulling them from Flickr.
The photo of Ipswich 62
318266
Member
I imagine they are using the image as your mate has released it under a Creative Commons licence that appears to allow commercial replication.
Interestingly, it is only crediting your friend. Most CC licences (including the one your friend chose) also require the relevant licence to be explicitly linked on the page. Indeed, when the link is sent on a direct messaging platform that supports embeds (such as Discord), the image is displayed without any credit or licence details at all. For whatever reason, the lack of attention to legal detail here isn't surprising me...
joieman
Member
Given that that photo was taken four years ago, it therefore means that when the photo was taken is of no consequence, unlike I previously suggested.Its a new thing bustimes is pulling them from Flickr.
The photo of Ipswich 62
Is it possibly pulling the "most recent" Creative Commons photo for the bus where one exists?
On the Littles photo, it does have the correct license super imposed on to the photo with click through link to the license and also the Flickr page:
(Images shows a screenshot from Bustimes.org)
I wonder if they potentially haven't got the template right and that's why it's not properly displaying the details on all pages?
On the Littles photo, it does have the correct license super imposed on to the photo with click through link to the license and also the Flickr page:
(Images shows a screenshot from Bustimes.org)
I wonder if they potentially haven't got the template right and that's why it's not properly displaying the details on all pages?
Its a new thing bustimes is pulling them from Flickr.
The photo of Ipswich 62
Never one to complain about bustimes.org (i've been using it since it's very early days), but i do feel the addition of Flickr photos on the fleelist page is a bit unnecessary.
Similarly the "special features" category (also "Name" and "Previous reg" etc.), all of which just cause bickering between "editors" - are these particularly relevant to the majority of users who use the site with the intent of finding a bus timetable or to track their bus?
I think it needs streamlining a little to get things "back to basics".
Trainman40083
Established Member
I guess some people must get over excited about whether a particular bus has a certain type of USB connector.
YorkRailFan
Established Member
To be honest, I quite like knowing if I can charge my phone on the bus prior to hopping on. Whether its power sockets, USB-A or USB-C, I find it handy. Likewise, I imagine its handy for people to know if their bus has bicycle spaces so they can bring their bike on. I can also see people getting excited if their bus is open-top or even double decker. The best feature (doesn't work on all buses) has to be the seat availability in my opinion.
markymark2000
On Moderation
What is wrong with name? Operators name buses quite a lot, and often release this information on their own tracking apps and websites. (see photo attached from Brighton and Hoves website)
Previous Reg where it's an 'intended reg' or someone accidently put the wrong reg on a bus, I agree it's very silly and should be removed. Where it's a bus on a private reg though, it is useful information to some and it works in the search bar if you search a previous reg.
For me, I think while it has potential to be a good option, the possible option in the SIRI-VM schema don't give a lot of space for granular data. Seats available, standing only, full are the only options. Seats available ranges from 1 seat left upto an empty bus which is a big difference. If it was more like the The GTFS-RT schema it would be a lot better.
Attachments
Likewise, I love the USB feature, my phone battery can be terrible and it’s really valuable to know whether I’ll be able to charge it. Not bothered about photos tbh, would be better being able to link to them instead of loading automatically as it keeps the data load low - useful in areas with poor signal or network reliability.
I disagree, I reguarly click through to Flickr to look at what a particular bus looks like so find the thumbnail quite useful - hopefully it rolls out to all pages.
I also really like knowing whether it has USB, air conditioning or tables - certainly much more useful than knowing what engine it has - how does that help my journey?
YorkRailFan
Established Member
Likewise with duty numbers.
I agree that its a shortfall of the system but I still find it handy in some circumstances. I'm not familiar with the GTFS-RT schema I'm afraid.
Statto
Established Member
One thing i do find really annoying with bustimes.org when looking to see if a service is on time, they only show the last stop the service called at, you have to click on, show previous stops, to bring up the whole route, i rather they showed previous stops from the start without having to click that show previous stops box.