11 February 2011

Bus tracker in Canberra?

| bean
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This looks nice – realtime tracking of Sydney buses:

http://www.flinklabs.com/projects/buses/

Is there anything like this available for Canberra buses?

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p1 said :

Frankly, I think we have a better chance of real time bus updates happening if ACTION hire a sky-writer in a Cessna.

p1, you are soooo funny! Sadly, it’s quite likely true!

I’d just settle for a bus with airconditioning.

ACTION buses have been fitted with GPS trackers for several years now since the last radio upgrade. The main reason they aren’t being used for real time tracking is that the TWU refuses to allow it to be recorded because it could be used to measure the performance of their members.

Frankly, I think we have a better chance of real time bus updates happening if ACTION hire a sky-writer in a Cessna.

Lin said :

Ok, I’m going to have to accept that I really am thick (and/or technically challenged), BUT… “Only if it was web-based”?

Don’t they have to store the GPS tracking data onto a server somewhere for users to access it? Or does the data somehow get sent directly to your mobile device from the satelite? Enlighten me, please!

The point is Lin that port 80 which is used for web browsers with the hypertext transport protocol (http) needn’t be the what an app uses to make this work.

It is best done using the internet, but perhaps not the web. If the data is released to an open standard then there’s any number of ways it can be accessed, read, and parsed.

Ok, I’m going to have to accept that I really am thick (and/or technically challenged), BUT… “Only if it was web-based”?

Don’t they have to store the GPS tracking data onto a server somewhere for users to access it? Or does the data somehow get sent directly to your mobile device from the satelite? Enlighten me, please!

Lin said :

True. But my point is still valid. You still need to communicate with a web server to get your data.

Only if it was web-based. If they made their own application, or used an existing protocol for vehicle tracking, mobile devices and so on would be more catered for. Chances are theyll use some bloated flash system, which will be out of date by the time they implement it, and will provide ‘real time information, current to within 2hours’ or something similarly useless, especially if they outsource it to any of the mobs theyve used in the past for their technology.

“There’s a difference between using the web and using the internet Lin!”

True. But my point is still valid. You still need to communicate with a web server to get your data.

Lin said :

I agree that a mobile app could be nicer – if it works properly and is not too limited in functionality. But it still uses the web so if you can access the data through the app, you can access the website aswell.

Most government agencies are hoplessly behind on the whole mobile technology thing. It requires a whole new skill set to design for mobiles, so it could take a while longer…

There’s a difference between using the web and using the internet Lin!

I agree that a mobile app could be nicer – if it works properly and is not too limited in functionality. But it still uses the web so if you can access the data through the app, you can access the website aswell.

Most government agencies are hoplessly behind on the whole mobile technology thing. It requires a whole new skill set to design for mobiles, so it could take a while longer…

Lin said :

“The problem as I see it with ACTION’s approach is that they are working on a web-based system”

Call me thick, but how would you implement a real time bus tracking system without communicating with a web server to get the data from?

Pretty sure troll-sniffer was pointing out that the flaw in ACTION’s tracking/schedule system is that it will be delivered through a web browser interface rather than a mobile application. I agree that the latter would be far more useful if done properly.

Does anyone know if ACTION has a twitter feed? Even that would be a very useful tool in keeping punters informed.

“The problem as I see it with ACTION’s approach is that they are working on a web-based system”

Call me thick, but how would you implement a real time bus tracking system without communicating with a web server to get the data from?

One thing at a time please, let’s try to get the MyWay smartcard system working first. The mind boggles at Action implementing a realtime tracking system.

Had a week in Brisbane after the floods, their public transport (no ferries) is a million miles ahead of us, yeah, I know, different circumstances, but their Go Card system works like a charm and I did appreciate the “next bus coming in xx minutes” electronic notice boards.

troll-sniffer9:24 am 11 Feb 11

Stateline or the news mob did a piece on the tech-head uni students’ app, and according to them, ACTION won’t share their data for a few reasons, none of which sounded legit considering the app is only offered as a freebie. Claims that the data are still inaccurate and that ACTION are laso developing their own web-based system have a hard job holding up when all they need to do is provide the data accompanied by an iron-clad liability release while they develop their own system.

The problem as I see it with ACTION’s approach is that they are working on a web-based system which will be fantastic for people sitting around in comfortable offices in front of computers, but useless for anyone out there on the street actually trying to catch a bus.

Not currently, but some tech-head uni students are trying!
http://the-riotact.com/action-mybus2-0-site-launch/36396

ACTION are apparently producing their own system, but I wouldn’t advise holding your breath.

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