ACT Bus Forum

Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Barry Drive on July 10, 2013, 03:24:42 PM

Title: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on July 10, 2013, 03:24:42 PM
Work on installing the RTPIS equipment has begun at B depot. Looks like they will initially do an install on each vehicle make - so far an Irisbus, PR100.2 & Scania artic are being modified.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on July 10, 2013, 06:14:35 PM
What equipment is being fitted?
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Gadgets on July 10, 2013, 07:32:06 PM
they are mounting map holder and a radio to the seat behind the driver so they can get a uni student report in where the bus is ;-)
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on July 10, 2013, 07:36:17 PM
Every bus will be equipped with:

And if you're keen-eyed, you will notice (another) antenna device along the roof-line -- mounted on the near side above the front door.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on July 15, 2013, 11:02:41 AM
Official announcement is that 30 vehicles will be fitted out for the trail phase. I assume this will cover all vehicle makes.

The ones fitted so far are: 894 314 511.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on July 15, 2013, 07:39:13 PM
The driver screen will display the route in a GPS style. The passenger display will show the next few stops & what other buses depart from that stop.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on July 20, 2013, 01:43:39 PM
Installation has continued this week. It looks like their plan is to install the aerial, wiring + the speakers and fit the remaining equipment (screen, driver's console and passenger counters) later.

Many buses have been done, so it may be hard to compile a complete list; 474 146 and 959 are the latest sightings. It is likely that some MANs and a PR100.3 have been fitted, but I've yet to see any.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on July 21, 2013, 02:13:16 PM
This is what the passenger screen will look like:
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FMiscellaneous%2FDSC00002_zpsa6bc314f.jpg&hash=cbe15a7560dbebbccbb7d7544d6eb1db6bc1340c)


Then for those drivers/nosey gunzels, this is what the drivers will see:
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FMiscellaneous%2FDSC00001_zps41923bca.jpg&hash=df2c9a7111a819b5ff81e28ff7e0742eccad1f05)


The news item can be found at http://youtu.be/f6j0rnzxuZM (http://youtu.be/f6j0rnzxuZM) (Feel free to nominate this filming for an Academy Award).
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on July 24, 2013, 12:28:44 PM
I hope the various screen information will be more accurate when the system is implemented for real. Since when is Northbourne Ave called "Fern Hill"?, and route 2 doesn't service Antill St (unless they're counting the single school-day only service). Not sure about the City Bus Stn routes either: can't see 30 31 and if 59 is listed, then 50 51 & 52 should be as well.

Good thing is that it does appear to have the option of turning off the turn by turn route directions.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: The Love Guru on July 25, 2013, 07:28:41 PM
The screen looks like Haydon Dr Belconnen bound
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on July 25, 2013, 08:52:09 PM
It looks to be the route 39 as shown on the passenger screen. Street to the left is Murdoch St, Morphett St to the right. The 39 in the top right and the time (including the +2min) all support this, but "Fern Hill" doesn't.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: The Love Guru on July 26, 2013, 10:37:14 AM
Maybe it's a Rattenbury spec mock up
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on July 27, 2013, 12:05:01 PM
Will the passenger counter be used to inform the driver when their bus is at capacity?

Would be even better if it could use that info to automatically update the external destination sign to "Bus Full - Set Down Only" or similar.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on July 27, 2013, 12:35:05 PM
We'll find out soon, but I believe that's the plan for the Hanover and Mobitec destos. May also update the online info.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on July 29, 2013, 08:42:39 PM
If they really wanted to get technical, once a bus is at capacity they could disable the Tag On & cash sale on the MyWay readers.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Lachie on July 29, 2013, 09:25:56 PM
Quote from: Buzz Killington on July 27, 2013, 12:05:01 PM
Will the passenger counter be used to inform the driver when their bus is at capacity?

Would be even better if it could use that info to automatically update the external destination sign to "Bus Full - Set Down Only" or similar.
That Is Actually Quite A Good Idea
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: The Love Guru on July 30, 2013, 12:04:59 PM
How accurate do you think the pax counter is going to be? I'm sure it's not a fool proof system so I doubt very much that it'll change the desto to full. May be used more for working out where the paper ticket holders are getting off. Still not convinced this system was a wise way to spend money when the fleet is in such poor condition and barely meeting DDA.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on July 31, 2013, 01:52:18 PM
I would expect the passenger counter to be the most reliable part of the system, since it is technology used widely elsewhere.

The ETA of any route will be highly dependent upon the accuracy of the existing timetables and on having a reliable GPS signal. (And my experience of waiting for a Cat in Perth watching the time click up and down continuously for 5 or more minutes doesn't fill me with confidence.)
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: The Love Guru on July 31, 2013, 03:29:52 PM
It still can't count the number of seats available accurately due to prams and wheelchairs.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Lachie on August 07, 2013, 04:50:58 PM
Was On 108 This Arvo (Good Advertising :3) And It Had New Speakers Around The Bus Driver Display (Switched Off) And Something Else Near The Door.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on August 07, 2013, 07:02:01 PM
Quote from: Lachie on August 07, 2013, 04:50:58 PM
..... Something Else Near The Door.

That is that passenger counter mentioned above.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: The Love Guru on August 12, 2013, 01:58:55 PM
Did my training on the system today. Watch this space as the trial of equipment will begin soon.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on August 12, 2013, 07:18:05 PM
Quote from: The Love Guru on August 12, 2013, 01:58:55 PM
Did my training on the system today. Watch this space as the trial of equipment will begin soon.

"NXT" Bus must've been dreamed up by a Kiwi seeing there is no vowel in the "word" NXT!
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Snorzac on August 21, 2013, 05:45:03 PM
410 is in service with the system on, on select shifts!!
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F08%2F21%2F4umequdy.jpg&hash=f457e223db2ecd7d41e14fbfc34a8af43faf27cb)
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 21, 2013, 07:37:18 PM
Not bad.

Presumably we going to see arrival times for each of those points on the screens once the system proper is up and running? Otherwise it's just a list of destinations.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Snorzac on August 21, 2013, 09:06:16 PM
It shows time till arrival, seemed to have missed it in this photo!
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Skitube on August 22, 2013, 11:34:44 PM
Girrawheen? Girrahween?

MODERATOR NOTE: Do not quote photos
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on August 23, 2013, 12:16:33 AM
Should be:- GirrAHween
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: The Love Guru on August 23, 2013, 06:39:05 AM
It is a TRIAL people. If the only issue you find is a spelling error then it would be a miracle.

How about spending some of your time on real issues.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: ajw373 on August 23, 2013, 07:15:51 AM
Quote from: The Love Guru on August 23, 2013, 06:39:05 AM
It is a TRIAL people. If the only issue you find is a spelling error then it would be a miracle.

How about spending some of your time on real issues.

Trails are the time where bugs, such as this should be ironed out. In this case I wouldn't say the spelling mistake is the bug, moreso there must be a QA issue in the process behind it that has failed and should be fixed so that there is no process fail when it gets rolled out network wide.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: 743 on August 23, 2013, 06:28:22 PM
Quote from: The Love Guru on August 23, 2013, 06:39:05 AM
It is a TRIAL people. If the only issue you find is a spelling error then it would be a miracle.

How about spending some of your time on real issues.
Here here!
Title: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on August 23, 2013, 06:53:47 PM
Somebody's wearing their cranky pants today.

On a serious note though, using the new SMS service. I've found some routes listed at stops that they don't actually stop at. Also confusing bus stop names. Once I clarify something, I'll mention the bugs.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on August 23, 2013, 11:58:01 PM
Quote from: 743 on August 23, 2013, 06:28:22 PM
Here here!

Don't you mean, "Hear, hear!"  ?  ....tch, tch....
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: belcodriver on August 26, 2013, 10:15:53 AM
Quote from: ajw373 on August 23, 2013, 07:15:51 AM
Trails are the time where bugs, such as this should be ironed out. In this case I wouldn't say the spelling mistake is the bug, moreso there must be a QA issue in the process behind it that has failed and should be fixed so that there is no process fail when it gets rolled out network wide.

No trails are places you walk.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on September 05, 2013, 04:29:45 PM
@TAMSmediaroom reports that the display screens were installed at City Bus Station today.

View (http://actbus.net/nxtbus-testing/) the Media release on ACTBus website.

Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: lukeo25 on September 05, 2013, 08:22:23 PM
I noticed whilst passing through Hughes some stops had the new style of blades installed (the ones with the bus number on them), I'll look out in around Chifley & surrounding areas when I get the time to look for them!
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on September 18, 2013, 08:40:38 PM
I saw a new speaker in 716 today - towards the front, on the interior ad panels. It was white.

Not sure if its NXTBUS related - would be odd to fit out a bus that's about to be retired but the Renault artics with speakers have always been black, roof-mounted Clarions.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on September 18, 2013, 11:09:14 PM
It's not new, and it's not for NXTBUS (which has black speakers). But I have no idea what it's for.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on October 02, 2013, 04:53:39 PM
For those that aren't aware (I only noticed today) that the SMS system is actually sending recipients the real time (within a few minutes) that the bus (with NXTBUS installed & turned on) is due.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: ajw373 on October 03, 2013, 07:26:57 AM
Does the SMS give any indication to differentiate between a real time figure and a timetable figure?
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on October 03, 2013, 09:13:07 PM
One of the texts I received had a * next to the later time. But at this state, all SMS have that "timetable information only"

In a later stage of the NXTBUS set up, this may change though.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on October 04, 2013, 03:40:05 PM
So far I've seen "WB" "*WB" and "W". Based on the small sample to go on, * may denote 5 mins or more late.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on October 16, 2013, 10:12:51 PM
I was on a NXTBUS equipped bus today - it seemed to be having some issues. The voice alerts weren't playing for quite a while, and the screen showed a photo of 508 with "Bus on Diversion" text underneath.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on October 17, 2013, 09:37:29 AM
From my experience, this is due to the bus stop footprints. If the bus doesn't pass closely enough to the stop (or if the stop location is not correctly defined) the system immediately thinks the stop was missed and activates the "bus on diversion" screen (which turns off the announcements). It should reset when the bus stops at the next stop, but this doesn't always work.

(It could do with a manual override, like the Wayfarer has.)
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: The Love Guru on October 18, 2013, 07:29:12 AM
It does have a manual override. Sms me for details.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on October 18, 2013, 09:05:39 PM
Makes sense. The NXTBUS display was up while the bus was at Tuggeranong Interchange but it went off pretty much as soon as we left. It (and the announcements) didn't come back until after the Beasley/Athllon stop.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on October 22, 2013, 11:03:56 PM
First Scania gas bus has recently been kitted out for Nxtbus...370 from memory.

Other Tuggy buses now fitted include 400, 401, 402 and 441.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on October 25, 2013, 10:01:06 AM
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on October 04, 2013, 03:40:05 PM
So far I've seen "WB" "*WB" and "W". Based on the small sample to go on, * may denote 5 mins or more late.
No. * does not denote 5 mins late. My latest theory is that it means arrival time uncertain.

I've also now seen just "B" (there are 3 non low floor buses fitted).

Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on October 25, 2013, 01:59:27 PM
Are they fitting screens to the Renaults?
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on October 25, 2013, 03:47:01 PM
Every bus will have a screen. In the PR100.2s, screen is behind driver (where the old display case was); in the PR100.3s, screen is intended to be mounted just behind the front doors - have not yet seen 108 fully equipped though. Darts and Agoralines: screens will be mounted above the aisle.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on November 06, 2013, 08:02:50 PM
Most of the diesel MANs are fitted; they have now started on the PR100.2s.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on November 06, 2013, 08:05:00 PM
What looks to be for the hearing impaired, the stop number is being read out before eacg next stop.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: The Love Guru on November 06, 2013, 09:20:38 PM
The number is being read out for all types of pax. It's the best way as if I have a friend coming to my nearest stop or whatever I just tell them the stop number rather than trying to figure out which random name nxtbus have given the stop
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on January 03, 2014, 11:06:45 PM
The four different STAG buses which I drove this week had all been fitted out with Nxtbus kit.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on January 04, 2014, 10:26:39 AM
I've been on a fair few runs when the screen is either switched off or the "bus on diversion" slide is showing. Are drivers just not activating the system and/or not entering the correct runs so the VoiceOver doesn't drive them nuts?
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on January 04, 2014, 02:23:26 PM
In some buses, the system has been disabled and not all drivers are trained. The "bus on diversion" is determined by the system based on GPS - but sometimes it doesn't reset (even though it's supposed to) and some route mappings are poor. I've seen some modules remain signed in when the bus is back at the depot (also not supposed to happen).

But, despite instructions to the contrary, it wouldn't surprise me if some drivers are choosing not to use the system.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on January 04, 2014, 05:46:38 PM
I can understand not using the system when there's only one or two passengers, but a better option may be to just turn the volume down or off (presuming this is an option) - this way at least the screen is working.

On another note, I don't think I realised that drivers also had their own spoken GPS module as part of the system. One driver was using it on a bus I was on a few weeks ago - a handy feature if you're not familiar with a route but very repetitive if you're on a long road with lots of stops!
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: The Love Guru on January 04, 2014, 06:06:36 PM
They should disable the bus stop announciations, just show there distance away on the screen which it already does.
I have the announcements turned off most of the time but leave the screen up.
The system works well providing the information on the stop locations is accurate. As they say, garbage in=garbage out.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: ajw373 on January 16, 2014, 05:48:23 PM
Just got my first bus with a working NXTBUS system. Three things that struck me as odd is why when announcing the bus stops do they also announce the bus stop number? It is bloody pointless. Secondly I am surprised they have used a text to speech system to generate the recordings. Some of the stop announcements were so poorly done that they were usless. Once that comes to mind is Anzac Park West, Constitution Ave. It is said so fast with wrong pronunciation that the only word I got was west. Lastley and this might upset The Love Guru is I reckon there should be more annoucements. When leaving a stop it should say next stop is xxxx, and then when arriving at a stop this stop is xxx. They should also probably do like TfL does and say this is bus 123 to xyz, next stop....

Now a question the times to the various stops where does this come from? Is it real time or from the timetable? The reason I ask is the bus I got this morning was doing a 702 and I boarded on Northborne Ave/London CCT at 08:14 (according to myway), with the bus leaving shortly thereafter (8 minutes early). From this point it was showing a travel time of 10 minutes to Constitution Ave. Clearly it doesn't take that long I would have thought closer to 2-3. Now with the bus 8 minutes early and with a 3 minute travel time, 10 minutes would be right, which says to me the times are from the timetable, not real time.

Now second question getting OT as mentioned this bus left Civic 8 minutes before it's scheduled departure time (unless of course it was the 7:33 bus running very very very late). Now in the past if buses were early they were meant to wait at designated timing points for the scheduled time, clearly that didn't happen this morning. Was it a case of the driver doing the wrong thing, or do they maybe not care on the 700's?
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: The Love Guru on January 16, 2014, 09:57:21 PM
Much easier to tell someone a stop number rather than trying to guess the name action has given a certain stop, hence the announce it.

Xpresso services DO NOT wait at timing points in the city in the AM and in the suburbs in the PM. Pointless having an express service that just sits waiting for a timetable that cannot possibly be accurate due to varying traffic conditions
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on January 17, 2014, 12:06:37 AM
Quote from: The Love Guru on January 16, 2014, 09:57:21 PM
Much easier to tell someone a stop number rather than trying to guess the name action has given a certain stop, hence the announce it.



I don't think it is realistic to expect passengers (and drivers) to commit to memory individual four digit bus stop numbers. Most people relate to individual locations by the names of adjoining streets or local landmarks.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: ajw373 on January 17, 2014, 06:52:51 AM
Quote from: The Love Guru on January 16, 2014, 09:57:21 PM
Xpresso services DO NOT wait at timing points in the city in the AM and in the suburbs in the PM. Pointless having an express service that just sits waiting for a timetable that cannot possibly be accurate due to varying traffic conditions

In some ways that makes sense, but for someone like me who gets on in the city it is not much good. It basically means that owing to, as you point out varying traffic conditions my arrival time in Civic is unknown. So to find the next bus to Barton I have to hunt around 3 or 4 different bus stops, with the times shown on at least stop not worth the ink they are written in. And the ACT Government wonders why more people don't get the bus to work.

PS the 700 scenario of not waiting would be more acceptable IF the timetable, both online and in PDF clearly indicated that they don't wait at timing points.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: ajw373 on January 17, 2014, 06:53:56 AM
Quote from: smitho on January 17, 2014, 12:06:37 AM
I don't think it is realistic to expect passengers (and drivers) to commit to memory individual four digit bus stop numbers. Most people relate to individual locations by the names of adjoining streets or local landmarks.

Exactly especially when said bus stop numbers are not published on the timetable maps.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: 743 on January 17, 2014, 07:37:04 AM
Quote from: ajw373 on January 17, 2014, 06:52:51 AM
In some ways that makes sense, but for someone like me who gets on in the city it is not much good. It basically means that owing to, as you point out varying traffic conditions my arrival time in Civic is unknown. So to find the next bus to Barton I have to hunt around 3 or 4 different bus stops, with the times shown on at least stop not worth the ink they are written in. And the ACT Government wonders why more people don't get the bus to work.

PS the 700 scenario of not waiting would be more acceptable IF the timetable, both online and in PDF clearly indicated that they don't wait at timing points.

I agree that the four different departure points in the City for Barton services (2/3, 4/5/6, 200 and 700s) is a bit much, but each of those stops offers a relatively high frequency (especially every 10 minutes on Route 200) so surely it's not too much of a problem. If you really need a higher frequency stop you could try the one on London Cct after Akuna St which services all Barton routes except Route 200.

I also agree the timetables could include a disclaimer if the timing point situation is indeed the case - I had not heard of this before. The Bus Books of the early 90s include a disclaimer on the Route 333 (current Blue Rapid) pages from memory that timings were approximate and buses would not wait if they were early.

Quote from: smitho on January 17, 2014, 12:06:37 AM
I don't think it is realistic to expect passengers (and drivers) to commit to memory individual four digit bus stop numbers. Most people relate to individual locations by the names of adjoining streets or local landmarks.

Once you know the stop number - and that's the bit where people need a landmark first - then it's not too hard to remember. You can store it in your phone or even write it on a piece of paper and slip it in with your MyWay in your wallet. NXTBUS is electronic by nature and a stop number is the simplest way to go, so I agree with The Love Guru here.

Quote from: ajw373 on January 17, 2014, 06:53:56 AM
Exactly especially when said bus stop numbers are not published on the timetable maps.

Logistically this would be a nightmare. I'd hate to be the designer who'd have to include all those (generally) four-digit numbers on the maps. A lot of ACTION maps - Route 3 (http://www.action.act.gov.au/routes/pdf/3.pdf), for instance - show a very large area and hence are zoomed out to suit. Adding in all the numbers would be very crammed and make it hard to accurately and clearly show places of interest (shops, schools etc), street names and even the bus route. Have a look at the Adelaide Metro Route W90 map (http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/var/metro/storage/original/application/e8783b6543ed81053ee471459917d8e6.pdf). Two-digit stop IDs are shown over the route line, and they are so close together that it is hard to see the bus route underneath (especially in the north-east), also their geographical accuracy is compromised because they have to be shown wherever they can fit, not necessarily where they actually are. Plus the type size is so small that they are tiny when printed (this is an A4 page).

Simplest solution here would be to show the ACTION stop numbers in Transit for Google Maps (as happens in other cities like Sydney, so surely not too hard to do) and the independent apps which will surely follow with NXTBUS.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on January 17, 2014, 07:43:25 AM
Stop numbers on google transit would be good. It would also help if the stop names were the same on google transit and nxtbus.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on January 17, 2014, 10:09:35 AM
In Perth they put the stop numbers in the timetable for timed stops. See the timetable for a route with not quite enough services http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/timetablePDFs/High%20Frequency%20202%2020140127.pdf as an example.

While we are on the subject of Perth as a comparison between RTPIS's. In Perth the real time in their buses consists of only a little screen for the driver. This data is relayed to an app that Transperth developed. So far there are no passenger screens. But this may change when their newest bus statio  is opened in 2016.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: ajw373 on January 17, 2014, 10:29:24 PM
Quote from: 743 on January 17, 2014, 07:37:04 AM
Logistically this would be a nightmare. I'd hate to be the designer who'd have to include all those (generally) four-digit numbers on the maps. A lot of ACTION maps - Route 3 (http://www.action.act.gov.au/routes/pdf/3.pdf), for instance - show a very large area and hence are zoomed out to suit. Adding in all the numbers would be very crammed and make it hard to accurately and clearly show places of interest (shops, schools etc), street names and even the bus route. Have a look at the Adelaide Metro Route W90 map (http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/var/metro/storage/original/application/e8783b6543ed81053ee471459917d8e6.pdf). Two-digit stop IDs are shown over the route line, and they are so close together that it is hard to see the bus route underneath (especially in the north-east), also their geographical accuracy is compromised because they have to be shown wherever they can fit, not necessarily where they actually are. Plus the type size is so small that they are tiny when printed (this is an A4 page).

Simplest solution here would be to show the ACTION stop numbers in Transit for Google Maps (as happens in other cities like Sydney, so surely not too hard to do) and the independent apps which will surely follow with NXTBUS.

Not suggesting they should be added. All I am suggesting is that it is pretty pointless announcing the stop number inside the bus. What the stop numbers are good for is getting timetable or real time info when your standing at the bus stop, or it is a bus stop you know the number for already.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: manhinli on January 18, 2014, 12:56:32 PM
Quote from: ajw373 on January 17, 2014, 10:29:24 PM
Not suggesting they should be added. All I am suggesting is that it is pretty pointless announcing the stop number inside the bus. What the stop numbers are good for is getting timetable or real time info when your standing at the bus stop, or it is a bus stop you know the number for already.

True, but some stop names can be ambiguous or slightly misleading. Having stop numbers clears that up significantly.

A case in point here is around where I am: Manning Clark Crescent joins Flemington Road at two points around Franklin in ~1km, so the bus stops are fairly close together:
Apart from the inconsistent naming/misspellings plaguing stop names, which one would you consider to be "second" anyway? I don't think anyone would have an immediate idea where the stops are just by looking at the names (even with a map at hand.)

Since we don't have landmarks here, I don't think there is any solution to this apart from using a unique identifier like a stop number.


Google Transit does allow for stop IDs to be shown (https://support.google.com/transitpartners/answer/1111569), which would tie in with the stop numbers well.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: King of Buses on January 21, 2014, 01:51:46 PM
The display signs at Woden Bus Station were being installed yesterday afternoon.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on January 21, 2014, 10:33:29 PM
Two display signs have been installed at "Tuggeranong (Interchange) Station"....
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on January 21, 2014, 10:38:15 PM
Do-it-yourself driver electronic sign-on system was in operation at Tuggeranong Depot over the weekend and today....system informs the driver of the number of his/her bus and also the number of the row in which the bus is parked.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on January 22, 2014, 12:31:04 PM
Interesting. Is it a random allocation or are particular buses being allocated to particular shifts?
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on January 22, 2014, 12:58:33 PM
Neither. The current system of buses being allocated by starters when drivers sign on will be performed in advance. But this may only be possible for limited times.

Back to the bus fitout: most, if not all, PR100.2s at B depot have been fitted - so far have yet to find one that hasn't been. Currently T depot .2s, artics (both depots) and the occasional B PR100.3 are being fitted. My guess is the plan is to complete the artics by the end of school holidays.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on January 22, 2014, 01:05:20 PM
Also, although not confirmed, based on what's being fitted (and what isn't), it's fair to assume all Scania STAGs, MAN diesels and MAN CNGs have been fitted.

There are probably a hand-full of Scania CNGs and one each Dennis (146) and Irisbus (314).
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on January 26, 2014, 09:23:12 PM
Quote from: King of Buses on January 21, 2014, 01:51:46 PM
The display signs at Woden Bus Station were being installed yesterday afternoon.

For those who aren't aware, the screens are installed at Platform 16 & in front of the Transport Officers office. By the looks of things the screen on 16 will show departures for Platforms 11-17. While the other screen will show departures on Platforms 1-10.

EDIT-The screens have been fixed to show all departures.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on February 04, 2014, 09:15:12 PM
The Regatta Point stop is (kinda) being announced again. The voiceover doesn't say "Next Stop" or the stop number, but the stop name is being announced (in both directions). The screen correctly notes that the stop is not in use.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on February 04, 2014, 10:54:34 PM
Display screen was being erected at the Kippax Centre last week.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: King of Buses on February 07, 2014, 06:30:24 PM
The School runs are starting to have NXTBUS voices being played overhead. Everyone is annoyed greatly by it (that includes me. Especially its mispronunciations such as "Bonython").
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on February 07, 2014, 10:45:05 PM
Quote from: King of Buses on February 07, 2014, 06:30:24 PM
The School runs are starting to have NXTBUS voices being played overhead. Everyone is annoyed greatly by it (that includes me. Especially its mispronunciations such as "Bonython").

School run stop announcements were in Nxtbus from the time it was introduced last year. However S/R departures from interchanges do not appear on Nxtbus display boards.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on February 15, 2014, 01:33:33 PM
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on January 22, 2014, 12:58:33 PM
most, if not all, PR100.2s at B depot have been fitted - so far have yet to find one that hasn't been.
Until a week or two ago, 852, 853, 878 (T) & 879 were not fitted. But they are now. Work is now focussed on PR100.3s and Scania L94s.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on February 15, 2014, 09:19:58 PM
Majority of PR2s at T Depot have yet to be fitted.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on February 16, 2014, 02:11:00 AM
I've noticed at least two Tuggeranong buses (389 & 518) have been fitted with the NXTBUS system but are missing the internal screens. These buses also don't show up on the SMS system.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on February 16, 2014, 06:41:39 PM
Yes, I've driven buses where the kit is installed but not yet activated (mainly artics from memory....the steer tags kits seem to be largely operational).

Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on February 16, 2014, 08:51:29 PM
If anyone has seen them at Woden & Tuggeranong, some big tracking screens are currently being installed.

I can't remember their role in the NXTBUS system 100%, but they are large screens that have the screens covered over with large bits of foam. Both are near the Transport Officers offices. Although I suspect the City will miss out due to being too breakable & the only station to get one in Belconnen is likely to be inside Westfield. But that is purely speculation.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: 743 on February 20, 2014, 08:22:05 AM
Just rode my first L94 with the system installed - 369.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on February 22, 2014, 02:22:57 PM
NXTBUS equipment now installed in 990 & 991. Well, most of it anyway. Due to the buses' interior, no screens have been installed.

Quote from: Bus 400 on February 16, 2014, 08:51:29 PM
If anyone has seen them at Woden & Tuggeranong, some big tracking screens are currently being installed.

I can't remember their role in the NXTBUS system 100%, but they are large screens that have the screens covered over with large bits of foam. Both are near the Transport Officers offices. Although I suspect the City will miss out due to being too breakable & the only station to get one in Belconnen is likely to be inside Westfield. But that is purely speculation.

A new media release  (http://www.cmd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/rattenbury/2014/installation-of-new-nxtbus-display-screens2) from S Rattenbury came out on Wednesday. It announces that 4 additional PID screens will be installed in City Bus Station (mid year) and that the new screens at other locations are being installed over the coming weeks.

It also mentions that "touch screen kiosks" will be installed at Tuggeranong, Woden, City and Westfield Belconnen stations.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Buzz Killington on February 23, 2014, 12:14:06 AM
Still no screens up at Belco Community Station. The poles were sorted weeks ago
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: smitho on February 23, 2014, 12:26:19 AM
Quote from: Buzz Killington on February 23, 2014, 12:14:06 AM
Still no screens up at Belco Community Station. The poles were sorted weeks ago

Curious that the two existing screens in Civic are so close together, considering the size and spread of the City Interchange.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on February 23, 2014, 07:32:09 AM
Quote from: smitho on February 23, 2014, 12:26:19 AM
Curious that the two existing screens in Civic are so close together, considering the size and spread of the City Interchange.

Word on the street is that with the additional screens.  Each screeb will show departures for what side of the station they are on. So the one neat McDonald's would show departures for platforms 1-3 only.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: ajw373 on February 23, 2014, 07:34:52 AM
Quote from: Bus 400 on February 23, 2014, 07:32:09 AM
Word on the street is that with the additional screens.  Each screeb will show departures for what side of the station they are on. So the one neat McDonald's would show departures for platforms 1-3 only.

That is plain silly. At the interchanges they should have one screen on each major corner that shows ALL departures, as well as screens at each stop that can be seen from each stop showing departures for that stop.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Bus 400 on February 23, 2014, 07:48:00 AM
That would be what you use the touch screen kiosk for.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: ajw373 on February 23, 2014, 08:35:00 AM
Quote from: Bus 400 on February 23, 2014, 07:48:00 AM
That would be what you use the touch screen kiosk for.

Disagree. Display screens should show the times of every bus, with as I said one set on the major corners showing every route and its next departure and one on every stop showing just that stop. Touch screen should only be used for trying to get timetable information, or to work out what bus to catch to get somewhere. If you need to use a touch screen to work out when your next bus is coming then that is a bit over the top and of course will scare off many. Whereas a simple display showing the next bus would be dead simple.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: The Love Guru on February 23, 2014, 09:56:23 AM
Quote from: ajw373 on February 23, 2014, 08:35:00 AM
Disagree. Display screens should show the times of every bus, with as I said one set on the major corners showing every route and its next departure and one on every stop showing just that stop. Touch screen should only be used for trying to get timetable information, or to work out what bus to catch to get somewhere. If you need to use a touch screen to work out when your next bus is coming then that is a bit over the top and of course will scare off many. Whereas a simple display showing the next bus would be dead simple.
And really really expensive.
The is not enough budget at present to do this however large displays with all departures will eventually be installed at major bus stations.
The program for signage had been stretched out over a much longer period and the system will be continuously improved well after the system becomes fully operational, as funding becomes available.
Title: Re: RTPIS ("NXTBUS") installation has commenced
Post by: Barry Drive on February 23, 2014, 11:09:26 AM
Ideally, there should be a large TV-screen sized display at all (or most) Bus Stations, with LED screens at every platform. But it won't happen.

The problem at City is that although there are 2 screens, each with 2 sides, all 4 sides are showing all buses at platforms 1 - 9. During peak this means that the screens basically only show the buses which are sitting at the platforms or are about to arrive. This hardly helps.

Adding 4 more screens, depending on where they are located, will come closer to providing the level of detail required.

Now they just need to mount clocks underneath or above the screens!
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on February 23, 2014, 03:07:45 PM
Quote from: ajw373 on February 23, 2014, 07:34:52 AM
That is plain silly. At the interchanges they should have one screen on each major corner that shows ALL departures, as well as screens at each stop that can be seen from each stop showing departures for that stop.

Agreed. Too bad if you jump off a bus on Mort Street and want to change to a bus on Alinga/East, and not being able to see on the screen nearest you when your bus is going to arrive/depart.

It is a bit of a pain during peak when not all routes are shown, if you're relying on that info.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: smitho on February 24, 2014, 10:24:35 PM
If screens allowed all departures over say the next 10 minutes to be displayed, that'd be ideal. Could be accommodated if the information was scrolled through.

Existing screens are very low key and have very little presence, in part because they are quite small. A large "i" (for information) attached to each screen, may be with a clock, would assist in drawing commuters' attention to it.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Snorzac on February 24, 2014, 11:30:03 PM
I think Melbournes idea with the tram tracker screens is good, it will show the next departure of every service departing from the stop...even if that service is the next day!
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 400 on February 25, 2014, 07:38:03 PM
Quote from: Buzz Killington on February 23, 2014, 03:07:45 PM
Agreed. Too bad if you jump off a bus on Mort Street and want to change to a bus on Alinga/East, and not being able to see on the screen nearest you when your bus is going to arrive/depart.

It is a bit of a pain during peak when not all routes are shown, if you're relying on that info.

The alternative is to SMS 'City' to the ACTION SMS number on your approach into the City. It will bring up every service departing City Bus Station. Same goes for Tuggeranong Bus Station, Cohen & Belc community.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on March 10, 2014, 10:43:05 AM
There is a message to drivers about NXTBUS at the depots. 350 buses (out of ~420) have been fitted and the website will be activated for system testing very soon - possibly even tomorrow (11 Mar).

I have noticed recently a marked increase in the number of "real time" departures reporting on the City PID - usually 5/7 or better.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on March 10, 2014, 03:27:55 PM
I was on a Scania a week or two ago that had the audio announcements, but no screen.

Quote from: ACTbusspotter on February 22, 2014, 02:22:57 PM
NXTBUS equipment now installed in 990 & 991. Well, most of it anyway. Due to the buses' interior, no screens have been installed.

Presumably no screens for these two then. I was on 991 last week and it still didn't have a screen. The only place I thought they could put one is behind the driver, if they moved the 'Bus Stopping' light down.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 400 on March 10, 2014, 05:36:50 PM
On another PR3 I've seen the NXTBUS system installed in, the screen was installed above the first passenger seat on the passenger side.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: The Love Guru on March 10, 2014, 06:58:55 PM
All the .3s should have the screens in that location.

Also they are disabling the ability for drivers to deactivate the sound so get used to every single stop on every bus being announced.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: smitho on March 10, 2014, 07:29:06 PM
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on March 10, 2014, 10:43:05 AM
There is a message to drivers about NXTBUS at the depots. 350 buses (out of ~420) have been fitted and the website will be activated for system testing very soon - possibly even tomorrow (11 Mar).

I have noticed recently a marked increase in the number of "real time" departures reporting on the City PID - usually 5/7 or better.

I may be wrong, but I get the impression that if a bus is unduly late (eg 5 minutes or more)  in coming through an interchange, it will fall off of the Nxtbus screen.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on March 10, 2014, 09:13:44 PM
Quote from: The Love Guru on March 10, 2014, 06:58:55 PM
Also they are disabling the ability for drivers to deactivate the sound so get used to every single stop on every bus being announced.

Hopefully the volume can be set so its not blasting or whisper quiet, which almost seems to be the only options at the moment
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on March 18, 2014, 08:54:50 PM
Display board is now operational at Belconnen Community Station.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on March 20, 2014, 11:28:15 AM
Poles have been installed at Westfield Bus Station. I spotted two, both at the same end of the station fairly close to the traffic lights.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: smitho on March 20, 2014, 11:37:10 PM
Have not had any buses so far where announcement switch-off option has been disabled.....disabling on hold ???
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: ajw373 on March 21, 2014, 06:40:15 AM
Quote from: Buzz Killington on March 20, 2014, 11:28:15 AM
Poles have been installed at Westfield Bus Station. I spotted two, both at the same end of the station fairly close to the traffic lights.

You would hope they will install a screen inside Westfield too. After all Westfield and the government, when they built the abomination that is the bus station were selling Westfield as the indoor waiting lounge. If that is indeed the case that would be the most logical place for monitors.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: The Love Guru on March 21, 2014, 07:02:39 AM
Can't get a clock installed so I'm not confident they'll put anything inside the Westfield
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on March 21, 2014, 12:28:58 PM
I'm sure you'll all be thrilled to learn that the NXTBUS touch screen kiosk thing has been installed inside Westfield - next to the Coke vending machine.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: ajw373 on March 21, 2014, 05:53:26 PM
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on March 21, 2014, 12:28:58 PM
I'm sure you'll all be thrilled to learn that the NXTBUS touch screen kiosk thing has been installed inside Westfield - next to the Coke vending machine.

That I am. Like most things to do with Action these days, bloody useless. The lounge area is the ideal place for a real time screen display of all buses due into the stops.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on March 21, 2014, 06:39:28 PM
Unless you know when your bus is due (the opposite of which seems to be the point of the system), the lounge is pretty useless. If you wait in there until you spot your bus, it will have already departed by the time you get to the platform!

Really hoping they put a screen in there..
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 400 on March 21, 2014, 08:36:29 PM
Alternatively,  you could SMS your stop number to the SMS system. Or go the old way & when the bus starts the route, start walking to your stop. It's the way I was brought up in Canberra & Orange & I still do this these days.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: ajw373 on March 21, 2014, 08:45:01 PM
Quote from: Bus 400 on March 21, 2014, 08:36:29 PM
Alternatively,  you could SMS your stop number to the SMS system. Or go the old way & when the bus starts the route, start walking to your stop. It's the way I was brought up in Canberra & Orange & I still do this these days.

All well and good when you are at home.

But in a major shopping centre that is linked to a bus stop and where the government and the shopping centre advertised the features of the indoor waiting area, a real time screen is the best and most logical solution. No kiosks to get timetable information, no SMS service, just a simple screen that shows when your bus is due so then you can venture outside.

It is 2014 and it isn't rocket science.

Now yeah no doubt people will start carrying on about not enough money etc, but frankly is the job is worth doing then it is worth doing properly. The half arsed way real time info has been handled with this system is an absolute and utter joke. I've been to other cities around this world that have had far better systems and were doing it close to 10 years ago.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 400 on March 23, 2014, 01:22:37 PM
We are of course still in the roll out phase of the system. As a part of the roll out, the City Bus Station only received 2 screens. We all know that once the roll out is complete, this will change & additional screens will be installed.

As time goes by, it may be proven that additional screens are required over the network & additional funding may be provided.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on April 30, 2014, 08:56:14 PM
A few updates:

A 4-line PID was installed at Kippax about 1 month ago. As I feared, it is useless for loop services (such as 43, 903 & 905) since it displays "Emu Bank Bus Stn" for both directions. Also it will only show 3 departures which can be inadequate during busy times.

990 has now had an in-bus display installed. It's in the same location as for the other .3s, just lower and at more of an angle. 991 is still screen-less.
Title: NXTBUS display inside buses
Post by: Skitube on June 09, 2014, 09:09:32 AM
I've seen about 3 buses with the internal display being zoomed in, there was 398, 443? and another i can't remember
Basically you don't get to see the right hand bit where "stop" and the clock are supposed to be, names of the stops take up pretty much the whole width
Anyone with any idea what happened?
Title: Symbols on NXTBUS screens inside buses.
Post by: vnguyen on August 06, 2014, 10:33:11 AM
For the past few weeks I've noticed there are symbols at certain stops on the screens. Do these symbols means anything?

For example there is a cross next to the stop of Kingston Shops on routes 4 & 5 (I think is a cross).
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 06, 2014, 10:09:17 PM
Timing points.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 400 on August 07, 2014, 06:33:29 PM
The whole system was made public today, this includes the website ( NXTBUS.act.gov.au ) & the touch screen kiosks.

Next stage is for Apps to get the data & rely real time data.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: vnguyen on August 07, 2014, 11:16:56 PM
Any know if this the real time going to be available on Transit Times+?
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 07, 2014, 11:18:17 PM
It would be up to the individual app developers to decide if they can or want to integrate real time into their apps. I believe developers can now submit an expression of interest for access to the data via the ACTION website.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on August 07, 2014, 11:50:04 PM
Quote from: vnguyen on August 07, 2014, 11:16:56 PM
Any know if this the real time going to be available on Transit Times+?
Yes. The transit times developer is keen to get real time and has submitted an EOI for the real time feed.

From what I've seen on twitter, TripTastic (Apple) and My Bus 2.0 are also applying.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 12, 2014, 08:59:42 PM
Quote from: Bus 400 on August 07, 2014, 06:33:29 PM
The whole system was made public today, this includes the website ( NXTBUS.act.gov.au ) & the touch screen kiosks.

Found it a bit odd that there's no signage on the kiosk at Westfield. Sure you could read the touch-screen but tucked away in the corner where it is, they should make it a little more obvious.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: smitho on August 12, 2014, 09:12:26 PM
During the early NXTBUS trials, bus display screen maps indicated major "connecting" bus routes at interchanges and other junctions.

Was useful information which is handy to have, but small screen size meant that this info made the maps look a bit cluttered.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 400 on August 12, 2014, 10:17:56 PM
Quote from: Buzz Killington on August 12, 2014, 08:59:42 PM
Found it a bit odd that there's no signage on the kiosk at Westfield. Sure you could read the touch-screen but tucked away in the corner where it is, they should make it a little more obvious.

Especially that is the same corner used by buskers on a Friday night. That whole lower section is screaming out for some ACTION NXTBUS signage.

Quote from: smitho on August 12, 2014, 09:12:26 PM
During the early NXTBUS trials, bus display screen maps indicated major "connecting" bus routes at interchanges and other junctions.

Was useful information which is handy to have, but small screen size meant that this info made the maps look a bit cluttered.

For a short period this did make a return on 200 services, just showing "300's" for the City. I haven't really caught a 200 in a few weeks or been bothered to check out the screen.
There was talk of this making a return (maybe for Network 14), but I put feedback in that I didn't like it. I'm fairly certain it was on the grounds of cluttering the screen. Or if so, only list services that particular actually connects with. So you wouldn't show the 252 for a 13:00 Route 200.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: 743 on August 20, 2014, 07:53:17 PM
There still appear to be some issues now that the timetable info has been "switched off". For instance, bus 857 is not installed with NXTBUS equipment - but it's running route services. Also, I've had some results lately for buses going to Tuggeranong Depot - e.g. a 7 heading south is shown as going to "Tuggeranong Depot" - assume it dead runs after the Museum, but that shouldn't be showing up!
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 20, 2014, 08:08:27 PM
Here's what I got when I looked up 2916 (Woden Bus Station Arrivals) earlier today:
27 to Citywest
2 to Sydney Avenue
23 to Citywest
21 to Woden Bus Station
749 to Belconnen Depot
64 to Citywest
60 to Tuggeranong Depot
2 to Tuggeranong Depot
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on August 20, 2014, 08:55:34 PM
879 is also unequipped. So I guess neither 857 nor 879 will be withdrawn anytime soon.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Skitube on August 21, 2014, 09:54:25 AM
Quote from: Buzz Killington on August 20, 2014, 08:08:27 PM
Here's what I got when I looked up 2916 (Woden Bus Station Arrivals) earlier today:
27 to Citywest
2 to Sydney Avenue
23 to Citywest
21 to Woden Bus Station
749 to Belconnen Depot
64 to Citywest
60 to Tuggeranong Depot
2 to Tuggeranong Depot

Some very nice routes there...
think it tells you where the bus would be going next, rather than showing it like a normal route
It is certainly not like this on the SMS service
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: smitho on August 21, 2014, 10:53:03 PM
Quote from: 743 on August 20, 2014, 07:53:17 PM
There still appear to be some issues now that the timetable info has been "switched off". For instance, bus 857 is not installed with NXTBUS equipment - but it's running route services. Also, I've had some results lately for buses going to Tuggeranong Depot - e.g. a 7 heading south is shown as going to "Tuggeranong Depot" - assume it dead runs after the Museum, but that shouldn't be showing up!

That's a bit strange. But the Nxtbus kit treats dead runs just the same as revenue runs, including departure / arrival times from and at depots and other starting points....can be handy for drivers, but not all that useful for punters.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 25, 2014, 09:58:37 PM
Is there any particular reason why the Google Transit stop names don't always match the names used by the on-board NXTBUS announcements?
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: King of Buses on September 23, 2014, 05:10:06 PM
Yesterday arvo I was at Tuggers Interchange. I was looking at the NXTBUS board inbetween P3/4/7/8 and I noticed the 71 to Woden departing at 1725 was listed using the timetable information. When Gassie 333 arrived to do that 71, from the outside (so what I could see) the NXTBUS screen was on and everything. Any ideas why it came up like that. Its a slight issue as ACTION did say all buses would be shown on NXTBUS properly (I know some MKI PR2's aren't fully capable - I think it was 857 mentioned on here).
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Snorzac on September 23, 2014, 07:16:28 PM
That happens when the unit in the bus isn't connecting to the network,  853 was doing the same thing last night.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: smitho on September 25, 2014, 10:33:15 PM
The Nxtbus system still seems to have gremlins in it from time to time... such as services which don't make it on to the screens in any fashion, despite the buses operating them being properly logged on etc.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on October 10, 2014, 07:41:19 PM
 Notice how the 67 has a "2 mins" meaning it is transmitting live data. I noticed that it apparently doesn't have either easy access or bike racks. Funnily enough, every bus doing public runs should at least have EITHER a bike rack or is wheelchair accessible. The bus which came was 877, which did have a bike rack.  ::) sigh  ::) will ACTION EVER get this all right???

Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 400 on October 10, 2014, 07:54:00 PM
It looks to me like the portion below the first 67 has been blacked out. As you will notice that part of the T for Tuggeranong is missing.
I'm happy to admit if I'm wrong (which hopefully I am).
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on October 16, 2014, 06:14:21 PM
Quote from: Bus 400 on October 10, 2014, 07:54:00 PM
It looks to me like the portion below the first 67 has been blacked out. As you will notice that part of the T for Tuggeranong is missing.
I'm happy to admit if I'm wrong (which hopefully I am).
which T? i don't see it
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 400 on October 16, 2014, 08:55:10 PM
This is what I see.
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftapatalk.imageshack.com%2Fv2%2F14%2F10%2F16%2Fa908a9a02f5b819512a32be799189976.jpg&hash=87cc0ddc5b5d2f870df52ac8f1fe1cadd7d4b178)
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: smitho on October 16, 2014, 10:40:44 PM
Short article in today's CT about usage to date of Nxtbus enquiry system; the article quotes ACTION as saying that an App is being developed for Nxtbus.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on October 16, 2014, 11:47:51 PM
Quoteand plans for a smartphone application are under way.

I think that is a misunderstanding on the reporter's behalf.

QuoteThe government is currently seeking expressions of interest from application developers.

What this refers to is an API which will allow any "smartphone" application to directly access the NXTBUS real time data. The expression of interest is for application developers to access the data, not for an actual ACTION/NXTBUS application.

Existing applications such as Transit Times and Triptastic will incorporate the NXTBUS live tracking - if they ever get access to the API.

Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on October 17, 2014, 03:49:51 PM
Quote from: Bus 400 on October 16, 2014, 08:55:10 PM
This is what I see.
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftapatalk.imageshack.com%2Fv2%2F14%2F10%2F16%2Fa908a9a02f5b819512a32be799189976.jpg&hash=87cc0ddc5b5d2f870df52ac8f1fe1cadd7d4b178)

what browser are you using? I couldn't see your one in google chrome, but can see it in IE. I can clearly see the line underneath in my original pic...that is so strange
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on October 17, 2014, 07:51:49 PM
ACTION is now able to communicate cancelled services through nxtbus online :D ;D ;) YAYAY!. Saw it today with the northbound 300 leaving city around 16:47. the format is

300   Cohen st Bus Stn     16:47
         Cancelled
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Skitube on October 17, 2014, 09:37:18 PM
about time this happened, it was available, kinda, on the info screens at bus stations a while ago
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: The Love Guru on October 18, 2014, 09:26:51 AM
It is only available when the starters in the Depot have been trained to do so.
I wouldn't rely on it for every canceled service
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 400 on October 18, 2014, 01:22:55 PM
Quote from: ... on October 17, 2014, 03:49:51 PM
what browser are you using? I couldn't see your one in google chrome, but can see it in IE. I can clearly see the line underneath in my original pic...that is so strange
I was using Tapatalk on my Android devices.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 400 on October 18, 2014, 01:54:41 PM
Quote from: ... on October 17, 2014, 07:51:49 PM
ACTION is now able to communicate cancelled services through nxtbus online :D ;D ;) YAYAY!. Saw it today with the northbound 300 leaving city around 16:47. the format is

300   Cohen st Bus Stn     16:47
         Cancelled
The things you miss out on when not on Twitter. Through my many sources, this was spotted back on the 15th September.

While i haven't seen a "Insert Destination Here Cancelled", on the Bus Station PIDS, I have seen it show when the next 900 out of Woden being 30 minutes away.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: vnguyen on October 24, 2014, 02:10:56 PM
Does anyone know when NXTBUS screens are going to be installed at Barton Bus Station?
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on November 06, 2014, 07:09:03 AM
Saw a really weird phenomenon on the Woden NXTBUS Screen near plt7 today, most were normal, however, one of the services (a 300N) had a bike rack pic in the column with the times, then had 0mins instead of due in the BR/WA column. And the 300 which was leaving and the next on were both MANs/SCANIAs ???
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on November 15, 2014, 07:35:58 PM
LOL at the fact that they've put 2 'Depart's, one over the other. Also, Funny to note that the ANU Stop on Rimmer st doesn't have platforms. ;D ::) (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZBcKS9IlQ_c/VGcPIbDsmpI/AAAAAAAAByQ/u612pdlAZD4/w1080-h692-no/DSCN8469%2B-%2BCopy.JPG)
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on November 15, 2014, 09:42:53 PM
Nice quality control
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Skitube on November 15, 2014, 11:16:09 PM
it says platform probably because occasionally a trip going in the opposite direction comes up on that screen, and by opposite direction, i mean stop 4530, the one outside the child care on marcus clarke street
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on December 11, 2014, 04:38:40 PM
NXTBUS Online only showing services 44mins+ away at the moment...

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zkXak8toW8U/VIktYCLkhFI/AAAAAAAAB7c/RViiiYFLqeY/w1358-h775-no/..png)
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on December 23, 2014, 04:19:45 PM
Have heard from two app developers: the NXTBUS interface is progressing. Look out for updates in the next month or two.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on December 29, 2014, 06:01:51 PM
Quote from: vnguyen on August 07, 2014, 11:16:56 PM
Any know if this the real time going to be available on Transit Times+?
Update to Transit Times (Android) to include real time released today. Only available on the paid version.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: vnguyen on December 29, 2014, 08:14:09 PM
TransitTimes+ just been updated to show the location of the bus on the map.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on December 29, 2014, 08:28:11 PM
Quote from: vnguyen on December 29, 2014, 08:14:09 PM
TransitTimes+ just been updated to show the location of the bus on the map.
So wish they showed that on NXTBUS Online. I know other states do...
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: King of Buses on December 29, 2014, 09:13:12 PM
Quote from: Busfanatic101 on December 29, 2014, 08:28:11 PM
So wish they showed that on NXTBUS Online. I know other states do...

That's why you gotta pay for this app I'd say...
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on December 30, 2014, 10:38:20 AM
Haven't found any dead running yet, but the app shows buses sitting in the depot (or laying over elsewhere) before or after a run.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on December 31, 2014, 06:02:28 PM
Next There (ios only) has just tweeted it now has real time tracking. No word on other IOS apps.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busnerd on January 04, 2015, 02:46:52 PM
Next There for iOS has real time tracking and after some discussion from a few of us on here the developer has added in fleet numbers and should be adding 'bike rack information' in the next update.

The same developer also makes Triptastic which has real time tracking however unlike the Sydney data does not (yet) have bus fleet number & link and speed of the vehicle.

Transit Times for iOS does not yet have real time for the ACT although seeing as android has it now, it shouldn't be too far off, however this is a lot less visually appealing than the other two apps above.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on January 04, 2015, 08:41:48 PM
Next There will be making use of ACT Bus photos to represent the fleet. In most cases, the photos being used are Photo of the Month winners.

These photos should be appearing within the next few days (?).
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: King of Buses on January 04, 2015, 09:53:59 PM
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on January 04, 2015, 08:41:48 PM
Next There will be making use of ACT Bus photos to represent the fleet. In most cases, the photos being used are Photo of the Month winners.

These photos should be appearing within the next few days (?).

(https://brianadamspr.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/was-that-sarcasm.jpg)
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on January 04, 2015, 10:22:59 PM
No, it wasn't.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: King of Buses on January 05, 2015, 09:10:13 AM
Okay then. ..just not something I'd expect to normally occur...
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on January 05, 2015, 09:38:18 AM
Have a look at this tweet.



New photo for L94s (from Sir P) has been provided.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: King of Buses on January 05, 2015, 02:04:53 PM
A suggestion for them would be a search by bus fleet number option...means i could find them pesky buses that escape me (mostly looking at Belco PR3s here...). thought i believe that woukd confuse people who dont know the difference between route and fleet nos. Which is most people...
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: The Love Guru on January 05, 2015, 05:56:59 PM
There is no need for the public to be able to access the fleet number of the bus and search by this.
Of course it won't stop the usual no life suspects from requesting it!
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: King of Buses on January 05, 2015, 07:20:19 PM
Quote from: The Love Guru on January 05, 2015, 05:56:59 PM
Of course it won't stop the usual no life suspects from requesting it!

Well, I'll take that as a compliment. I know that riding around on buses in between going to school is meaningless compared to playing video games and that stuff between going to school which must me a whole lot better (I use that example as that's what most of the people I know do...). And I hardly think it is your decision to decide whose lives are worthless and whose arent...cause everyone is different, everyone has a different opinion of what is right and what is wrong; what is meaningful and what isn't etc.

But come on, surely most of us here who go gunzelling would find this handy?
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on January 05, 2015, 07:47:22 PM
There is Tram Tracker in Melbourne which encourages users to query by vehicle number. (They claim it's the easiest way to follow which route you're travelling on.)

But my suggestion (if existing apps don't allow it) - is to write your own app. How hard can it be?
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on January 05, 2015, 09:26:41 PM
Quote from: King of Buses on January 05, 2015, 07:20:19 PM
Well, I'll take that as a compliment. I know that riding around on buses in between going to school is meaningless compared to playing video games and that stuff between going to school which must me a whole lot better (I use that example as that's what most of the people I know do...). And I hardly think it is your decision to decide whose lives are worthless and whose arent...cause everyone is different, everyone has a different opinion of what is right and what is wrong; what is meaningful and what isn't etc.

But come on, surely most of us here who go gunzelling would find this handy?


I'd certainly love that. I record all fleet #s and services I board, however occasionally forget to check when I get off. Also, If I need to photograph some AOA, I would know where to find the bus
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: The Love Guru on January 05, 2015, 09:45:01 PM
Could have some fun with this idea, play swapsies with the fleet the numbers.
Again, there is no valid reason for ACTION to make this information public. Bus type is all that is required. Providing bus number will just lead to more complaints when a certain bus breaksdown more than average, there are plenty of ACTION haters out there that would go to these lengths.

From a drivers point of view it obviously makes absolutely no difference.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: vnguyen on January 06, 2015, 12:08:13 PM
Would it be possible though to show whether if the bus is wheelchair accessible or have a bike rack?
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: The Love Guru on January 06, 2015, 02:02:35 PM
Yes, this information is available now.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busnerd on January 07, 2015, 12:00:54 AM

Quote from: vnguyen on January 06, 2015, 12:08:13 PM
Would it be possible though to show whether if the bus is wheelchair accessible or have a bike rack?

The bike rack information will be added shortly to NextThere. The wheelchair info is already there too.

Also lol at many of the previous "Love Guru" comments.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on January 08, 2015, 09:14:00 AM
Quote from: vnguyen on January 06, 2015, 12:08:13 PM
Would it be possible though to show whether if the bus is wheelchair accessible or have a bike rack?
Transit Times are working on that now, along with displaying "vehicle ID" and Air Conditioning status, but no photos. An update should be released within the next week. I'll post here / tweet as soon as I'm aware of it being released.

Also, Transit Times advises vehicle ID is provided on the real time departures only, so a search by bus number might not be possible at all.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: smitho on January 08, 2015, 11:35:49 PM
Have had a Stag for all my morning & afternoon bus runs over the "Days of Christmas" period...still getting punters asking why my bus doesn't have a bike rack.....may be they're new arrivals into the Canberra workforce, or alternatively, assume a Stag is a standard type of green bus.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busnerd on January 09, 2015, 06:46:53 AM

Quote from: smitho on January 08, 2015, 11:35:49 PM
Have had a Stag for all my morning & afternoon bus runs over the "Days of Christmas" period...still getting punters asking why my bus doesn't have a bike rack.....may be they're new arrivals into the Canberra workforce, or alternatively, assume a Stag is a standard type of green bus.
I hope you explained the complexities involved in your longer than usual bus
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: 743 on January 10, 2015, 08:51:21 AM


Quote from: ACTbusspotter on January 08, 2015, 09:14:00 AM
Transit Times are working on that now, along with displaying "vehicle ID" and Air Conditioning status, but no photos. An update should be released within the next week. I'll post here / tweet as soon as I'm aware of it being released.
Just did an update, this is available now.

Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on January 10, 2015, 01:00:36 PM
I may have misunderstood the message, because vehicle ID is showing on the vehicle positions map (once you select a bus).

You can't search by fleet number though.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busnerd on January 10, 2015, 10:32:51 PM
Yep seems like android came out early this afternoon followed by iOS several hours later
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: smitho on January 12, 2015, 10:02:18 PM
I can live with that.....
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on January 13, 2015, 11:54:55 AM
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on January 10, 2015, 01:00:36 PM
I may have misunderstood the message, because vehicle ID is showing on the vehicle positions map (once you select a bus).

Now I understand - when a bus is actively reporting its estimated time (early/on time/late), the vehicle ID will appear on the vehicle positions map. However, if the bus has gone "off route", then only the route number and destination will be shown.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: 743 on January 13, 2015, 05:50:07 PM
I'm currently on 360. There is a sticker above the operator: "MyWay NXTBUS Interface Test Bus. Test Driver Automated LOGIN and GPS Function".
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: vnguyen on January 13, 2015, 07:51:54 PM
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on January 13, 2015, 11:54:55 AM
Now I understand - when a bus is actively reporting its estimated time (early/on time/late), the vehicle ID will appear on the vehicle positions map. However, if the bus has gone "off route", then only the route number and destination will be shown.

So if a bus is making a diversion on the map it will show up as it's route number but it show where it is on the map?
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: King of Buses on January 13, 2015, 09:11:26 PM
Quote from: vnguyen on January 13, 2015, 07:51:54 PM
So if a bus is making a diversion on the map it will show up as it's route number but it show where it is on the map?

So that's why I kept finding a lot of bus 300s. ..and bus 900 out on a weekend...lucky there isn't that many of one iris though... 8)
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 400 on January 14, 2015, 09:34:36 PM
But it will show buses dead running, under the last route the bus ran or about to run.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: King of Buses on January 19, 2015, 09:45:24 PM
Quote from: The Love Guru on January 05, 2015, 09:45:01 PM
Again, there is no valid reason for ACTION to make this information public. Bus type is all that is required. Providing bus number will just lead to more complaints when a certain bus breaksdown more than average, there are plenty of ACTION haters out there that would go to these lengths.

The Melbourne TramTRACKER has a function to search by tram number to work out how long the tram you are on will take to reach the destination or your stop. While this info can be found in NXTBUS via alternate methods, this function would prove useful for normal passengers and us bus nuts...
though I see your point with the ACTION haters...and would it be such a bad thing to point out bad members of the fleet here? It'd mostly show darts and irises as well as others but predominantly them.

I can dream for such a function though can't I? Even if it never comes unless I make it...by making my own app...but I can't be bothered (don't criticise that please Love Guru) as I do seem to have a life...I think...even though most of it is bus related...but not all of it...
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Snorzac on January 20, 2015, 08:38:29 AM
The reason the tram tracker app has such a function is because the trams are not fitted with screens inside to display the real time information, hence we don't need it here.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Buzz Killington on January 20, 2015, 09:21:01 AM
correct me if I'm wrong, but the times to each destination on the on-bus screens are based on timetabled information, not real time. It's quite common to see, for example, twelve minutes listed as the time to a final destination when you're five minutes out.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: The Love Guru on January 20, 2015, 09:38:33 AM
Correct Buzz. It is assumed the bus will wait at the next stop and will not run early. It would work better if it only assumed this at official timing points, or it could just use the running timetable and show the expected running time rather than the timetable.
Either way, times are fairly unpredictable due to traffic lights mainly.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on January 20, 2015, 10:48:33 AM
If running early or on time, it will use the timetable. But if running late it will basically add the late time to the timetable.

However, apps like Transit Times apply the early calculation at all stops.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: 743 on January 20, 2015, 12:51:20 PM
Having been on a lot of AM peak Red Rapids over the past few weeks (when traffic has been quiet), it's been very common to see the operator's display showing 4.5 minutes late at Northbourne/Macarthur, but then 3.5 minutes early at the very next stop at Northbourne/McKay, due to the large running time allocated between these stops.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: smitho on January 21, 2015, 10:51:34 PM
I've noticed similar timing jumps along Streeton Drive on the 705 southbound.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on January 23, 2015, 08:29:20 PM
Same for Northbound 300s - timetable says (up to) 9 minutes from ANU/Barry Dr to Calvary Hospital. Can be done in 5 min depending upon traffic conditions (and how quick the bus is).
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on April 21, 2015, 11:14:41 PM
Quote from: vnguyen on October 24, 2014, 02:10:56 PM
Does anyone know when NXTBUS screens are going to be installed at Barton Bus Station?
Some large holes have appeared at Barton Bus Station. So presumably the PIDs are finally going to be installed.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on April 28, 2015, 10:36:04 AM
I was on 565 this morning, and noticed that the terminal stop message didn't come up when we arrived at woden. Instead, woden showed as the next stop, and the rest of the screen remained white. It was operating normally for the rest of the trip. Is this a change that ACTION has made or just a fault??
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: King of Buses on April 28, 2015, 11:34:15 AM
Quote from: Busfanatic101 on April 28, 2015, 10:36:04 AM
I was on 565 this morning, and noticed that the terminal stop message didn't come up when we arrived at woden. Instead, woden showed as the next stop, and the rest of the screen remained white. It was operating normally for the rest of the trip. Is this a change that ACTION has made or just a fault??

565 was fine yesterday. Probably just a fault. Cause every other bus I've been on as of late does the terminal stop thing...
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: vnguyen on July 09, 2015, 02:21:00 PM
The screens have finally been installed at Barton Bus Station.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Sylvan Loves Buses on February 05, 2016, 05:19:27 AM
I'm not 100% sure if this is the right place to put this, but the NXTBUS Kiosks have been active up lately.

All from what I've checked, Tuggeranong's, Woden's and the City's NXTBUS kiosks no longer have their NXTBUS working. Like thy still connect to the wifi and everything, but pressing on the NXTBUS will load to a blank screen. Does anyone know if ACTION knows about this and are trying to fix it?
Not really much point in calling them NXTBUS kiosks if their NXTBUS doesnt work ::) ::)
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on February 05, 2016, 09:55:25 AM
https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/forms/action_feedback
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: triumph on May 12, 2017, 03:03:01 PM
The on-board display and audio would be particularly useful to inform passengers of disruptions. Unfortunately this does not seem to be happening. Worse it is offering incorrect information too often.

By example, Westfield, Belconnen Bus Station was pre-planned closed for a week and by-passed with no tempoary stop. On five trips the on-board system continued to include Westfield as if operational. Very misleading. Then, just as I was thinking this was it, on the sixth trip, leaving the Community Station the Cohen St Station was announced with no mention of Westfield. Then back to as it was before.

So what is the problem and why is it inconsistent. Is the system too complex, the operators insufficently trained, apathy, ......? Whatever, it is an opportunity being missed for good customer service, and in the Westfield case,  particularly poor customer service of misleading information despite it being in the easiest category of a long pre-planned interruption to normal service.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Sylvan Loves Buses on May 12, 2017, 06:28:57 PM
You should have a play of the last remaining NXTBUS Kiosk at Woden, it has its uses for finding out what bus is actually coming soon (unlike the screen above which'll show whatever it feels like and not all of what it's suppose to). But the main thing that's probably the another reason they were removing them is that it's slow - as in it shows when buses are coming, but later than real time. It was 8 minutes slow last year, and now it's 14 minutes lol.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Sylvan Loves Buses on June 08, 2018, 12:54:27 PM
Has anyone else noticed the bug in the screens on routes 65 and 171 recently? The one that's not showing the times for each point. Been that way the past week now, but only on those two routes so far that I've noticed.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 503 on December 17, 2018, 08:29:11 PM
I was on 672 last week and noticed that the driver's NXTBUS console was being projected onto the passesngers' NXTBUS board, so we (passengers) could see the driver's map and the lateness/earliness meter (+1:00 or -1:00 in green/red) instead of the usual list of stops and TC advertisements.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Toyota Camry on April 25, 2019, 06:29:36 PM
Anytrip is now tracking Transport Canberra buses and Deutsche Bahn light rail vehicles; it is also showing the fleet number for all vehicles at the below link.

https://anytrip.com.au/region/act
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on April 25, 2019, 06:56:11 PM
Quote from: Toyota Camry on April 25, 2019, 06:29:36 PMAnytrip is now tracking Transport Canberra buses and Deutsche Bahn light rail vehicles; it is also showing the fleet number for all vehicles at the below link.

https://anytrip.com.au/region/act
Very cool, does what nextup tried and failed to do, hopefully the fleet numbers won't disappear behind the paywall.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busnerd on April 26, 2019, 07:59:56 AM
Nextup?
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on April 26, 2019, 09:20:26 AM
Quote from: Busnerd on April 26, 2019, 07:59:56 AMNextup?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blacklime.NextUp

We never got realtime for Canberra (but it was available for Sydney I think), it had all scheduled services moving on a map. It doesn't seem to work anymore, and I don't think it had fleet numbers even for areas with realtime.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busnerd on April 26, 2019, 10:20:23 AM
That link takes me to a Google Play 'Not Found' address, so perhaps the app has been removed?
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busfanatic101 on April 26, 2019, 11:01:07 AM
Quote from: Busnerd on April 26, 2019, 10:20:23 AMThat link takes me to a Google Play 'Not Found' address, so perhaps the app has been removed?
It does seem that may be the case, I can access that page because it's still installed on my device. Also explains why it no longer seems to work.
The website is still up if you're interested in what it used to do anyway http://www.blacklime.io/nextup.html (http://www.blacklime.io/nextup.html)
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on August 31, 2019, 11:15:44 AM
Quote from: Toyota Camry on April 25, 2019, 06:29:36 PMAnytrip is now tracking Transport Canberra buses and Deutsche Bahn light rail vehicles; it is also showing the fleet number for all vehicles ..
The Anytrip android app has been updated to include Canberra (and other) realtime tracking.

Bike rack and air conditioning symbols are shown for buses in service (i.e. if shown, a bus is allocated to that trip).
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: triumph on January 07, 2021, 11:48:25 PM
The next bus text system is soooo unreliable.
Mon
Partner called from stop concerned had just missed bus (seen leaving stop). The service wanted was not due for about 5min so the one 'just missed' was previous service running rather late? Gave assurance bus still to come. Then decided to check:
9.51am texted '4092'. This is a stop on the R3 route with 15min service at this time of day.
9.51am response 'No departures in the next 90 minutes for the given parameters. For assistance call 131710 or check timetable information' No departures? What a misleading load of hogwash.
9.52am retexted '4092'.
9.52am response 'SPENCE SHOPS 3 Airport 09:54WB'. This was the expected service and it showed up.

Today
4.07pm texted '2824', again at 4.08pm, and 4.12pm. This stop is an R2 stop with 10min service at this time of day.
Responses: None at all.

Another example I am aware of was departures given for a stop not being served by route 66 which was being diverted (with alert notice in place in service alerts) due to road works.

Transport Canberra and predecessors have had years to get it right, yet users are still being subject to misleading and plain wrong responses, or no response at all. All very well for savvy users like bus enthusiasts, but for ordinary users it is unacceptable to give out wrong information. If the Next Bus text service can't be relied on, it should simply be shut down. No information is better than wrong information.

 
 
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Sylvan Loves Buses on January 08, 2021, 07:50:09 AM
Just use the Anytrip app instead, it's a lot more reliable, shows exact times and fleet numbers.
NXTBUS has never been reliable, only thing I ever use it for now is to identify if buses I'm after are Renault's or not (no wheelchair symbol detection) and that's mostly on the Woden kiosk which runs 42 minutes slow as I only have access to Anytrip from home (or ANU).
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on January 08, 2021, 10:06:19 AM
Quote from: triumph on January 07, 2021, 11:48:25 PMIf the Next Bus text service can't be relied on, it should simply be shut down. No information is better than wrong information.
The SMS service hasn't been mentioned in printed timetables for a while now, I can't find the details on the website and new bus stop blades don't show the text number.

So that may be the plan.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: triumph on January 08, 2021, 02:42:21 PM
Quote from: triumph on January 07, 2021, 11:48:25 PM4.07pm texted '2824', again at 4.08pm, and 4.12pm. This stop is an R2 stop with 10min service at this time of day.
Responses: None at all.
 

Update. 3.38am today (almost 12 hours later) a response came 'No departures in the next 90 minutes ....'. Reasonable for time received.

Quote from: Barry Drive on January 08, 2021, 10:06:19 AMThe SMS service hasn't been mentioned in printed timetables for a while now, I can't find the details on the website and new bus stop blades don't show the text number.

So that may be the plan.

Interesting, the number is in my phone's contact list so I had had no reason to check.

Quote from: Sylvan Loves Buses on January 08, 2021, 07:50:09 AMJust use the Anytrip app instead, it's a lot more reliable, shows exact times and fleet numbers.
NXTBUS has never been reliable, only thing I ever use it for now is to identify if buses I'm after are Renault's or not (no wheelchair symbol detection) and that's mostly on the Woden kiosk which runs 42 minutes slow as I only have access to Anytrip from home (or ANU).

Thanks. 'Slow'? Another failure? I do have 'any trip' on one mobile, the other is too old but ok for texting. Habit stems from when that was the only mobile, and when it works it is very straightforward and quick. (I also tend to regard Transport Canberra as the 'official' source which therefore can be held accountable.)
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: triumph on January 08, 2021, 11:41:51 PM
Quote from: Barry Drive on January 08, 2021, 10:06:19 AMThe SMS service hasn't been mentioned in printed timetables for a while now, I can't find the details on the website and new bus stop blades don't show the text number.

So that may be the plan.

The details are on the website. Using a desktop running Windows and Chrome I found them as follows
Go to Transport Canberra web site
Select Getting Around then Help then Using NXTBUS and down the page is Use NXTBUS by SMS. The result should come up within 30 seconds and show the next 2 departures within the next 90 minutes. (So my example involving R3 was also a fail as only one departure was shown. Was omitting the number on new blades another fail too?)
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Bus 400 on January 09, 2021, 08:57:44 PM
The SMS system may be a bit defunct now. It can be interesting, for example SMS words like meal or depot or layover & it'll bring up options to pick.

SMS system also only picks up when a bus is logged into that run. Real time apps show everything. But only provide real time if a bus is allocated to that run.

The system probably is due for an upgrade, heck Transperth provided real time by updating the ticket machines. This may of been mentioned previously, but Sydney & regional NSW cities (& possibly other cities) have Dynamic bus stops. These are a tablet that list the next few runs & what runs go past that stop.

Sent from my SM-A716B using Tapatalk

Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Sylvan Loves Buses on February 08, 2021, 08:53:01 AM
Well Anytrip has had a nice upgrade. Instead of trying to located desired buses you think were on a route, now you can. It's been updated to show all the routes preceding and continuing for selected routes. I know that's a big 'No No' on this forum, wonder if they're breaking any privacy laws doing that on there.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Barry Drive on February 08, 2021, 10:17:02 AM
Anytrip is showing it because it was included in the data feed.

But pointing it out publicly may cause TC to reissue the GTFS and remove that data.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Toyota Camry on February 08, 2021, 08:47:23 PM
Quote from: Sylvan Loves Buses on February 08, 2021, 08:53:01 AMWell Anytrip has had a nice upgrade. Instead of trying to located desired buses you think were on a route, now you can. It's been updated to show all the routes preceding and continuing for selected routes. I know that's a big 'No No' on this forum, wonder if they're breaking any privacy laws doing that on there.
The information provided is misleading to passengers; last week, I traveled between Ngunnawal Shops & Gungahlin Place on a 28 service, that was indicated in Anytrip that it 'continued' as an 18 to Dickson Interchange. This was the next trip on the driver's shift, however it is not a continuation of service in practice, as the bus did not convey passengers after the conclusion of the 28 service, and proceeded to drive to the layover area to wait around 15 minutes prior to returning to Gungahlin Place to commence an 18; this it not a through service as Anytrip is informing passengers, and this may create confusion with passengers believing they can sit on the one bus between Casey Market Town & Dickson.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: Busnerd on February 08, 2021, 10:55:02 PM
I don't think any passenger would think two routes would combine in one by misunderstanding an app I dare so most non-gunzels wouldn't even use.
Title: Re: NXTBUS - Real Time Passenger Information System
Post by: verbatim9 on August 16, 2021, 09:53:52 PM
The Riot ACT---> New public transport ticketing system another step closer (https://the-riotact.com/new-public-transport-ticketing-system-another-step-closer/486158)