The Green Bus

[Pat]

TGB now track on bustimes.org

[tjwpsv]

TGB now track on bustimes.org

Thanks, Pat. I'm far from convinced about the accuracy of the data here, though.

[Pat]

Thanks, Pat. I'm far from convinced about the accuracy of the data here, though.

Yes, it's not always 100% accurate, in terms of vehicle ID, as ticket machines can be swapped between vehicles without being reprogrammed etc.

[tjwpsv]

Yes, it's not always 100% accurate, in terms of vehicle ID, as ticket machines can be swapped between vehicles without being reprogrammed etc.

I understand that, Pat, but that wouldn't seem to explain it. Currently, there are 6 vehicles as showing on the 845; earlier today, a similar number were listed as being on the 242.

[tjwpsv]

Within the last 5 minutes, 18 vehicles were 'tracking' on the 242...most off them well off-route!

[V102MOA]

Yes, it's not always 100% accurate, in terms of vehicle ID, as ticket machines can be swapped between vehicles without being reprogrammed etc.

I believe the data comes from the company's internal tracking system rather than any ticket machines

[Pat]

I believe the data comes from the company's internal tracking system rather than any ticket machines

Bustimes.org uses the data from the ticket machine GPS.  AFAIK, it only gets data from Ticketer and ERG machines.

[V102MOA]

Bustimes.org uses the data from the ticket machine GPS.  AFAIK, it only gets data from Ticketer and ERG machines.

TGB have not been using ticket machines since pre-pandemic. Some vehicles may still be carrying them round but they are old Wayfarers which do not have that functionality.

There is also data appearing on bustimes.org that could only have come from the internal tracking/scheduling system (GreenEye). IIRC shortly before I left I was asked to help set it up but didn't get time to take a proper look

[Tony]

Bustimes.org uses the data from the ticket machine GPS.  AFAIK, it only gets data from Ticketer and ERG machines.

It gets it from a variety of sources, hence why some NXWM routes and vehicles appear which do not have Ticketer or ERG machines

[Stu]

I believe the data comes from the company's internal tracking system rather than any ticket machines

It gets it from a variety of sources, hence why some NXWM routes and vehicles appear which do not have Ticketer or ERG machines

BusTimes uses a variety of third-party open data source feeds for its information.

With regards to vehicle location tracking in the West Midlands, this is provided by the Transport For West Midlands API.

If operators make this data available to TfWM, then it can be presented via their API.

https://bustimes.org/data

[DJ]

BusTimes uses a variety of third-party open data source feeds for its information.

With regards to vehicle location tracking in the West Midlands, this is provided by the Transport For West Midlands API.

If operators make this data available to TfWM, then it can be presented via their API.

https://bustimes.org/data

If it's using the TfWM API, does that explain why NX services that do track, stop tracking once they leave the West Midlands area, such as the X51?

[Solo1]

It gets it from a variety of sources, hence why some NXWM routes and vehicles appear which do not have Ticketer or ERG machines

so why don't nxwm buses all have ticketer or erg machines then & only some thanks

[John]

so why don't nxwm buses all have ticketer or erg machines then & only some thanks

Because none of them do

[Pat]

If it's using the TfWM API, does that explain why NX services that do track, stop tracking once they leave the West Midlands area, such as the X51?

No, because the WN10/A/B still track when in Staffordshire, as does the 5.

[Tony]

If it's using the TfWM API, does that explain why NX services that do track, stop tracking once they leave the West Midlands area, such as the X51?

They don't stop tracking when they leave the area