Working fine these last couple of weeks - I alternate between an independent app and First’s, and there’s been no issues. Saying the ‘passenger feed was turned off’ is highly suspect. Who turned what off? Since the First App shows tracking as before, it’s an odd description of ‘off’!
so Passenger Ltd. Got taken over by Masabi, and their API webpage has a quote from the owner of Bustimes.org as endorsing the product.
It does not, bus open data standards only apply in England. The Scottish Government is pursuing similar regulations but they likely won't mandate live tracking until the first half of 2028 at the earliest. That's likely the earliest date First will allow their services and vehicles to be tracked outside of the app as you also couldn't track vehicles to the same extent as other operators prior to the Passenger feed on bustimes being switched off - vehicles wouldn't show on the map but you could see what route individual vehicles were operating on.
Ah, so it is Scotland Regional Council busybodies making work for themselves, delaying rollout of what is effectively an international data standard to justify "earning" their crust.
What you’re referring to isn’t normal BusTimes tracking. It’s running off SPT departure boards. I’m referring to proper tracking—like the live map used by First in Wales and England. As you’ll see, there are no vehicles shown on the map for First Glasgow and Aberdeen.
The difference there is that Lothian use WayFarer 6s & Stagecoach use VIX 5800s, not Ticketers. Unsure what Ember’s machines are called but they sure aren’t Ticketers.
They use a custom-made ticket machine exclusive to Ember coaches.
I’m aware, just wasn’t sure if they tracked through an amended version of Apple FindMy or if they tracked using a different device.
It's a custom built software from the ground up using an iPad for the driver interface and a secondary andriod based system which is hidden elsewhere in the vehicle that links card payments, concession card data and tracking
Probably Caledonia’s batch of Newpowers.
First Bus ordered 30 Streetdeck repowers last year from Kleandrive and I do not think any have been tested in service yet, let alone being in service. They are also to repower Enviro400s shortly, although this is unlikely for them, but First has an investment in Kleandrive, so it may be possible.
I wish they would just leave them all on, it’s a far better map than the operators own apps I find
There is a logic to this sometimes - the proposed Scottish BODS will be a lot more comprehensive than English BODS, for example operators will have to report on the functionality of USB chargers on the vehicle.
This is gold-plating at its worst. USB chargers onboard? What if they're dud USB slots? Does a bus need kept in if the USB chargers aren't working? Is this compatible with the drive to electrify the buses - it probably shortens the range.
I assume you don't carry a mobile phone that runs out of battery quickly because it's old, as many people who rely on buses will do as they may not be able to afford to replace it. It is, to an extent, a matter of social welfare.
Standard SNP with the usual nonsense of having to make something that's the same as England but put an SNP name tag and an extra £100 million on the bill just to have me extra feature!
Charging a phone on a bus was a perk, but making it a standard just raises expectations and showcases the new "deficit" among all bus operators - it stops being "oooo i can charge my phone" to "ugh, the USB isn't working". Its not like actual tracking is working outside of operators' own apps. Ditto accessibility certificates - these have been law for decades now, there arent any used which you can't get a wheelchair on.
It's always my luck when my battery is low and I don't have my power bank with me and it's a bus that has USBs only for them not to be working, I carry a 0.9m Cable in my pocket all the time because it can come in handy
Did you happen to note if the towing vehicles belonged to Wigleys? Thank you.
