These signs count down to the arrival of the next Swift bus, e.g., 12 minutes, 6 minutes, etc.
When the bus is 1 minute away from the station, there is an audible chime and the signs say “Due.” After the bus departs, the signs start counting down to the arrival of the next Swift bus.Because this is new technology, there will be a period of adjustment. The signs may not display correctly all the time. We already know that the audio chime at 1 minute may have some volume issues. That is something we are working to correct. Also, the timing of the chime has not always been exact in testing. We will continue to monitor that as well.
If you notice an error such as the bus not arriving at the displayed time, or the chime not working, you can help us improve the system by calling (425) 353-RIDE (7433) or sending a note to riders@commtrans.org.
Within a few weeks, next bus signs will be operational at the three largest transit centers: Ash Way, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace. This fall we will be launching a real-time bus departures feature that riders can access by phone, desktop computer and mobile devices.
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I really can't wait for the next bus signs at Ash Way! Anyways, are you guys at Community Transit considering about joining Twitter (and maybe use @commtranswa)?
ReplyDeleteGlad for your enthusiasm! We think these signs and the upcoming real-time app will really help our customers. Yes, look for a Twitter announcement soon!
ReplyDeletethey are not in sync with when the buses actually leave aurora though, the driver told me he leaves when his monitor tells him, not what the sign says. Because the bus left and the sign still said 2 minutes.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this input. We will look into it. Swift buses are different from the rest of our network because they don't run on a set time schedule, they run on frequencies - every 12 or every 20 minutes. So Dispatch is more involved. We will check this out.
ReplyDeleteHow many more weeks until Community Transit offers real time data on cell phones? Will Community Transit contribute to the mobile app OneBusAway? It would be super helpful to use this for the downtown seattle commuter routes. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe real-time apps will be rolled out to customers as soon as they are ready. I can't give you a specific date. We are continuing to test, make changes and improve the functionality and ensure data is presented where it should be.
ReplyDeleteBusFinder, as it will be called, will give data for all Community Transit routes, including those downtown, as well as Sound Transit routes from Snohomish County. We'll have more information soon...
Really looking forward to the real time BusFinder app, any update on the intended launch date?
ReplyDeleteWhen can we expect to see real-time bus information for Community (and Sound?) Transit? We were told it would be rolled out in the fall, but obviously that didn't happen. Updated launch date?
ReplyDeleteWhat is the status of the Bus Finder app.? It's been quite a while since we have had an update. Technology issues? I occasionally ride Metro and their One Bus Away app. is outstanding! Having this real time feature from Community Transit would definitely enhance the rider experience.
ReplyDelete