http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/topstories/Passengers-left-in-dark-as.6752871.jp
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » General Edinburgh
"Passengers left in dark as tracker fails again"
(13 posts)-
Posted 13 years ago #
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Well, left in the dark so far as they had to read the timetables at the bus stops?
Posted 13 years ago # -
"they had to read the timetables at the bus stops?"
The 'point' of bustracker is to let people know how buses are actually running.
Posted 13 years ago # -
I would like to see the tracker bus stop on Shandwick place (the one near Manor place heading west) working. It has been on the blink since the end of last year. We do not have any possibility of finding out when the buses are actually running
Have you also noticed the buses "hunt in packs". Three or four come along at once then there is a gap of 20-30 mins for the next one? - Maybe it is specifically the No 44, the one I get (ie when not cycling to work)
Posted 13 years ago # -
"Have you also noticed the buses "hunt in packs"."
Yes, this has been the subject of academic/mathematical studies. It's to do with the first bus taking longer to pick up more passengers who have arrived at the stop after the previous bus - apparently there is no straightforward solution!
"Three or four come along at once then there is a gap of 20-30 mins for the next one?"
I think there is anecdotal 'evidence' that (in the past of course) some drivers liked being in a cluster as it meant there would be fewer passengers to pick up and deal with - and give change to in the 'old' days...
Now that all (most) LB buses have a tracker, Control knows exactly where they are. Drivers are supposed to keep to timetable so if the front bus has been delayed - by passenger loading or traffic - the second bus will be closer, but the third one shouldn't be.
In extreme cases buses are stopped and turned round (don't know if this happens in Edinburgh) - but this is not popular with passengers!
I'm not an apologist for LB (or a regular passenger), but I think the fact that they win awards and that drivers are (mostly) kind to cyclists shows that they are better than most bus companies.
Posted 13 years ago # -
Last week I saw a LB driver smoking while driving....
Posted 13 years ago # -
Aye they are generally quite good, though i've never understood why they insist on stopping even when the bus behind is 30s away and the oen that stops is rammed to the doors. Surely the (full) one in front not stopping would help prevent this stacking of buses?
Posted 13 years ago # -
In the past when I got an early bus, I would get frustrated when the bus driver kept to the time table by pulling over for 5 mins to read the paper. I just suppose I should be happy as it used to turn up on time at my bus stop...
These displays were in place when I left Edinburgh in 2005 so I guess they're reaching their lifetime after 6-7 years? I know in the Semiconductor industry parts are supposed to be guaranteed for 10 years, but thinking about how long I keep a phone before it gives up, 6 years is good?!?!
Perhaps the comapany who built the displays no longer exists and they are having problems getting a contract manufacturer to build them?
Posted 13 years ago # -
I think the stacking is exacerbated by the fact that a lot of the time, the only drivers who will stop to let a bus out are other bus drivers. So they end up closer together that way.
Posted 13 years ago # -
I wonder how long it'll be before there's the decision to give up on the on-street displays 'because everyone has a smartphone'.
Posted 13 years ago # -
... though i've never understood why they insist on stopping even when the bus behind is 30s away and the oen that stops is rammed to the doors. Surely the (full) one in front not stopping would help prevent this stacking of buses?
As long as there aren't any passengers wanting to get off that rammed bus... ;)That's another cause of stacking - it takes punters longer to get off a full bus than it does a quieter one.
Posted 13 years ago # -
it takes punters longer to get off a full bus than it does a quieter one.
Particularly since LB made the decision to abandon the rear exit doors (as a result of malicious claims for damages - if the EECP is to be believed).
Posted 13 years ago # -
"I would like to see the tracker bus stop on Shandwick place (the one near Manor place heading west) working. It has been on the blink since the end of last year. "
CEC says -
"
The problem stems from a power fault affecting the lighting columns in this area (the Bustracker sign takes its power from the nearby lighting column) and requires works by Scottish Power to fix.Our Street Lighting section have reported the fault to Scottish Power but unfortunately as yet they have failed to take any action or provide any timescale for the works.
Please be assured that we are actively pursuing Scottish Power to repair the fault.
"
Scottish Power often gets blamed (probably with justification) for pedestrian crossings that are installed and not working for months after the installation has been finished.
Posted 13 years ago #
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