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Central Line Timetable
In message , Paul Corfield
writes On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 10:36:14 +0000, Dave A wrote: However, the online version comes out rather oddly - it shows the full timetable *except* for between 10pm and 11pm where it says "every 14-15 minutes"... I think that's some issue with the software that auto-generates the timetables. Some issue? rant mode More like the thing is completely rubbish and simply finds the narrowest and widest intervals and then uses that to state the service frequency. It's appalling and given that the system has the underlying detail for every line and every bus route I utterly fail to see what that cannot be made available to those who need it while a more sensible and intuitive approach is found for those who prefer "simpler" information. Hah! As long as it's not just me. I thought I was being picky. But I think it's control freakery/madness when independent websites such as http://www.busmap.org/ are no longer able to produce the timetables? Unless I'm misunderstanding the message: "Important Message. London Buses no longer produce timetables for the main bus network. Unfortunately therefore I am unable to display a current timetable for this route. Please contact London Buses for further information." Luckily http://www.londonbusroutes.net/routes.htm still has the information (though not as prettily displayed! [1]), just a shame no one produces similar for the Underground. Thank goodness for enthusiasts!! [1] but possible more accessible for visually impaired users. -- Paul G Typing from Barking |
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Central Line Timetable
On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 18:35:20 +0000, Paul G
wrote: In message , Paul Corfield writes On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 10:36:14 +0000, Dave A wrote: However, the online version comes out rather oddly - it shows the full timetable *except* for between 10pm and 11pm where it says "every 14-15 minutes"... I think that's some issue with the software that auto-generates the timetables. Some issue? rant mode More like the thing is completely rubbish and simply finds the narrowest and widest intervals and then uses that to state the service frequency. It's appalling and given that the system has the underlying detail for every line and every bus route I utterly fail to see what that cannot be made available to those who need it while a more sensible and intuitive approach is found for those who prefer "simpler" information. Hah! As long as it's not just me. I thought I was being picky. But I think it's control freakery/madness when independent websites such as http://www.busmap.org/ are no longer able to produce the timetables? I accept it is one of those issues that gets me cross so I'm not always very rational on this subject. Mike Harris who runs the busmap website works for TfL and was, AIUI, close to the production process for the panel timetables. I agree it is utterly bizarre that they are produced for things like coach services but not for any TfL bus services. We used to be able to get the panel timetables via a special part of the intranet - it's now virtually redundant. For a while Mike used the Freedom of Information process to get panels that were still being produced after timetable changes but not formally published. TfL then stopped the production process which shut off the FOI route. Having to go to those lengths to obtain *passenger* information is frankly barking mad. The stop specific stuff is woeful in its accuracy, relevance and layout. My local stop information is just plain wrong - even when it shows specific times such as early morning / evening. That is just unacceptable. I have no issue with the concept of stop specific info if it shows ALL departures and other helpful information such as peak and off peak running times with an explanation to show which running times apply to what departures. Many European cities can do this without great problems so why London can't I simply don't know. TfL will probably argue that market research shows information needs to be "simple" - the problem is that the info they now provide is beyond simple, it's of no use. I have watched far too many people look at the info at my local stop to see what time the bus will arrive and all they get is an interval shown. I happen to have the detailed info from Mr Munster's site in my bag and I go out typically to get a specific departure so my waiting time is minimised. Doesn't always work if the service is shot to pieces but most times I have little or no waiting time. If public transport is to be attractive then I think detailed info should be available to those who need it. After all if cars have GPS to talk the driver to their exact destination then why on earth do bus users have to rely on vacuous nonsense to be able to get about. Unless I'm misunderstanding the message: "Important Message. London Buses no longer produce timetables for the main bus network. Unfortunately therefore I am unable to display a current timetable for this route. Please contact London Buses for further information." Luckily http://www.londonbusroutes.net/routes.htm still has the information (though not as prettily displayed! [1]), just a shame no one produces similar for the Underground. Thank goodness for enthusiasts!! The pdfs that are set up to print off the back of the web displayed info are not at all bad. I have them for my local route and have printed off and handed out copies for people I know are regular users of the service. London Bus Routes is excellent but only really works because of the connections that the owner of the site has by virtue of his job. Long may his site continue as it's an unique resource. -- Paul C Admits to working for London Underground! |
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