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Post by snoggle on May 8, 2017 12:27:49 GMT
www.wired.co.uk/article/citymapper-london-bus-cmx1Very interesting this. Although just a very short term, free trial operation this is a brave and interesting move and it will be fascinating to see how TfL respond to this. Looks like Mercedes Minibuses are suddenly back in vogue in the UK. EDIT - as I've now read the article in full there are two key things. One is that Citymapper are already engaged with TfL to see how this can work. This is the opposite of the Uber approach of forcing change through customer pressure. Second is the data that Citymapper generate - they know origin and destination of journeys and can assume from that where people board and alight different transport services. TfL can't do that as effectively nor as fast. It hadn't dawned on me that technology companies would have this scale of data but, of course, they do which gives them some advantages over traditional operators. TfL will have journey planner search data but I don't know how or even if they use that. EDIT 2 - seems it will run either Tues or Wed this week. See this Citymapper blog entry for more info. citymapper/smartbus-7b6848241526" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">medium.com/ citymapper/smartbus-7b6848241526
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2017 16:45:44 GMT
www.wired.co.uk/article/citymapper-london-bus-cmx1Very interesting this. Although just a very short term, free trial operation this is a brave and interesting move and it will be fascinating to see how TfL respond to this. Looks like Mercedes Minibuses are suddenly back in vogue in the UK. EDIT - as I've now read the article in full there are two key things. One is that Citymapper are already engaged with TfL to see how this can work. This is the opposite of the Uber approach of forcing change through customer pressure. Second is the data that Citymapper generate - they know origin and destination of journeys and can assume from that where people board and alight different transport services. TfL can't do that as effectively nor as fast. It hadn't dawned on me that technology companies would have this scale of data but, of course, they do which gives them some advantages over traditional operators. TfL will have journey planner search data but I don't know how or even if they use that. EDIT 2 - seems it will run either Tues or Wed this week. See this Citymapper blog entry for more info. citymapper/smartbus-7b6848241526" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">medium.com/ citymapper/smartbus-7b6848241526 Intriguing, and precisely the way to get younger people on board. I see this being ideal , in for example, a town like Stanies or Epsom. Getting rid of fixed low frequency routes with big vehicles unable to get into smaller new developments, and replace them with stylish minibuses which will turn up around about the time you want, and also get you back when you want , so you don't even need to look at a timetable. I read somewhere that RATP group in France has a subsidiary technology firm which is helping its regional franchises develop their own on demand services, which are cheaper to run than the fixed lower frequency bus routes. |
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Post by redbus on May 8, 2017 18:04:33 GMT
www.wired.co.uk/article/citymapper-london-bus-cmx1Very interesting this. Although just a very short term, free trial operation this is a brave and interesting move and it will be fascinating to see how TfL respond to this. Looks like Mercedes Minibuses are suddenly back in vogue in the UK. EDIT - as I've now read the article in full there are two key things. One is that Citymapper are already engaged with TfL to see how this can work. This is the opposite of the Uber approach of forcing change through customer pressure. Second is the data that Citymapper generate - they know origin and destination of journeys and can assume from that where people board and alight different transport services. TfL can't do that as effectively nor as fast. It hadn't dawned on me that technology companies would have this scale of data but, of course, they do which gives them some advantages over traditional operators. TfL will have journey planner search data but I don't know how or even if they use that. EDIT 2 - seems it will run either Tues or Wed this week. See this Citymapper blog entry for more info. citymapper/smartbus-7b6848241526" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">medium.com/ citymapper/smartbus-7b6848241526 Intriguing, and precisely the way to get younger people on board. I see this being ideal , in for example, a town like Stanies or Epsom. Getting rid of fixed low frequency routes with big vehicles unable to get into smaller new developments, and replace them with stylish minibuses which will turn up around about the time you want, and also get you back when you want , so you don't even need to look at a timetable. I read somewhere that RATP group in France has a subsidiary technology firm which is helping its regional franchises develop their own on demand services, which are cheaper to run than the fixed lower frequency bus routes. This is truly great news. Using technology to match demand with supply. Using technology to be able to divert a bus to a better route. The really could be an eventual game changer for buses and getting people from where they want to their destination quickly. Good on TfL for supporting this venture. I do have one BIG reservation, there are too many people, particularly those of a greater age who are not that technologically savvy and this won't work for them. We must provide good bus services for all, not just those who are adept with smartphones. |
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Post by snoggle on May 8, 2017 18:22:15 GMT
www.wired.co.uk/article/citymapper-london-bus-cmx1Very interesting this. Although just a very short term, free trial operation this is a brave and interesting move and it will be fascinating to see how TfL respond to this. Looks like Mercedes Minibuses are suddenly back in vogue in the UK. EDIT - as I've now read the article in full there are two key things. One is that Citymapper are already engaged with TfL to see how this can work. This is the opposite of the Uber approach of forcing change through customer pressure. Second is the data that Citymapper generate - they know origin and destination of journeys and can assume from that where people board and alight different transport services. TfL can't do that as effectively nor as fast. It hadn't dawned on me that technology companies would have this scale of data but, of course, they do which gives them some advantages over traditional operators. TfL will have journey planner search data but I don't know how or even if they use that. EDIT 2 - seems it will run either Tues or Wed this week. See this Citymapper blog entry for more info. citymapper/smartbus-7b6848241526" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">medium.com/ citymapper/smartbus-7b6848241526 Intriguing, and precisely the way to get younger people on board. I see this being ideal , in for example, a town like Stanies or Epsom. Getting rid of fixed low frequency routes with big vehicles unable to get into smaller new developments, and replace them with stylish minibuses which will turn up around about the time you want, and also get you back when you want , so you don't even need to look at a timetable. I read somewhere that RATP group in France has a subsidiary technology firm which is helping its regional franchises develop their own on demand services, which are cheaper to run than the fixed lower frequency bus routes. I can't remember precisely what I was searching but a few months ago I fell across a French bus operator's website for a town or city. They have a regular bus service but late evenings and early mornings they run "on demand" buses albeit on fixed routes. You ring up to arrange a bus when you want it. A couple of the routes are designed for airport workers who have an early start at work. Seemed a pragmatic solution on how not to waste resources at quieter times and yet give people a convenient service. |
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Post by enviroPB on May 8, 2017 19:06:14 GMT
Oh heavens, it looks like a company focused on public transport is acutally listening to the feedback of its users.....but it's okay. We have TfL, and they always listen to what the public has to say on their consultations    |
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Post by busman on May 9, 2017 9:05:16 GMT
Looking at the app, it seems as though they are realising that bunching is a x@!*#%$ to deal with especially on a circular. Already uneven gaps in the service 😛. I'm sure they will learn quickly.
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Post by snoggle on May 9, 2017 11:04:59 GMT
Looking at the app, it seems as though they are realising that bunching is a x@!*#%$ to deal with especially on a circular. Already uneven gaps in the service 😛. I'm sure they will learn quickly. I see what you mean as you can track the buses on the app from the comfort of your armchair. I've seen one photo of the bus on social media - didn't appear to be anyone on it. |
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Post by busman on May 9, 2017 11:43:31 GMT
I bet you're glad you upgraded your phone now 😀
I'm not sure how widely publicised this trial is. Perhaps it is a glorified staff bus that is open to all users. Citymapper talk about being able to reroute buses based on live information- I think this would be very useful on express services. If they ran limited stop buses using these smaller type vehicles, Citymapper could remove barriers that prevent buses taking the fastest option. Width and height restrictions would be less of a factor and buses would be free to use back roads to avoid traffic or even take a route that stops closest to the end destination of passengers on board. There are many new possibilities to revolutionise bus travel by integrating with the Citymapper app.
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Post by enviroPB on May 9, 2017 12:13:55 GMT
I bet you're glad you upgraded your phone now 😀 I'm not sure how widely publicised this trial is. Perhaps it is a glorified staff bus that is open to all users. Citymapper talk about being able to reroute buses based on live information- I think this would be very useful on express services. If they ran limited stop buses using these smaller type vehicles, Citymapper could remove barriers that prevent buses taking the fastest option. You see, Citymapper is targeting a specific niche in the capital by having a short express route* that is free for users. In other cities like Manchester, there are free Metro express routes that connect main parts (namely the big rail termini) in the city centre. Apply this model to London and routes 507 & 521 should be free to use, but it isn't. So the perogative for Citymapper letting anyone use what is obviously a staff shuttle in their prototype route; is to have raving reviews from a completely free and luxurious** service. Should that feedback come, then TfL will pay attention in trying to reform & inprove their services. *I know express route to some means non-stopping services, but can also be seen as short routes that have relatively short journey times from A-B. **USB chargers, free wi-fi on Citymapper's 33 capacity bus. There are probably more perks that I've forgotten. |
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Post by snoggle on May 9, 2017 13:12:55 GMT
I bet you're glad you upgraded your phone now 😀 I'm not sure how widely publicised this trial is. Perhaps it is a glorified staff bus that is open to all users. Citymapper talk about being able to reroute buses based on live information- I think this would be very useful on express services. If they ran limited stop buses using these smaller type vehicles, Citymapper could remove barriers that prevent buses taking the fastest option. Width and height restrictions would be less of a factor and buses would be free to use back roads to avoid traffic or even take a route that stops closest to the end destination of passengers on board. There are many new possibilities to revolutionise bus travel by integrating with the Citymapper app. Not sure being able to see an experimental bus service on a phone quite justifies an upgrade.  To be honest I'm not sure what Citymapper think they're aiming to achieve. They may have tons of data but it's very easy to wrongly misinterpret data if you don't consider all the issues. I do wonder quite how people will feel if buses started taking variable routes all the time. Some people tend to look out for landmarks to reassure themselves that the bus is going where they expect to go. Suddenly diving down side roads might cause people to panic and then start asking the driver questions which probably means the bus would have to stop! I also think Citymapper would find themselves in trouble pretty quickly if they start sending buses down residential streets. Whole areas of London are "off limits" to TfL buses and TfL knows this. I can quite easily see a disproportionate reaction occuring if green minibuses start wandering through some areas. There is also the risk, despite them being small, of minibuses getting stuck in traffic jams or impeded by poorly parked cars. There's also the issue of schools - some parents have fifty fits if buses get within 500 metres of a school gate. I take the point that there is plenty of scope for innovation and no issue with that. I just wonder if Citymapper (or other tech businesses) have a proper understanding of how and why people use buses, plan their journeys plus all the issues related to successful operation. I fear the bus industry is one of those that outsiders look at and go "oh that's so easy, just run vehicles back and forth and collect the money" except, of course, it's vastly more involved than that especially in London. |
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Post by RandomBusesGirl on May 9, 2017 15:35:31 GMT
Well I have to ride every bus route, so of course I gave it a try 
*SPECIAL* Citymapper SmartBus: CMS0? | BT66UAS || CMX1: Waterloo & Blackfriars circular by #RandomBuses AlίsҺα, on Flickr It's absolutely not true these were empty - had a mix of curious civilians usually informed via the app, few random ones who were in the right place at the right time (and saved money ), TfL employees, and of course bus enthusiasts. I heard they've even managed to catch few tourists. And we came across journos too!! In the rush hour in the morning they were well loaded. Apart from a driver they also had a CityMapper person on board. All was in a very friendly, cheerful atmosphere. You got to ask questions and feedback on the app. Or just chit-chat They also said they have 2 things they want to explore: express routes, and something similar to Dial&Ride and the Harry Potter Knight Bus - they start at a set location then everyone tell them where they want to go and the computer calculates the route. Either way, I recommend trying it out It's a proper circular and you can stay on as long as you want to. Btw, here are the fleetcodes and plates for the buses, the 3 of them. Lemme know if I've made a mistake: CMS01 is BT66UAP; CMS02 is BT66UAS; CMS03 is BT66UAR (one I rode). They seem to have fleetcodes inside only. |
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Post by vjaska on May 9, 2017 17:30:02 GMT
Well I have to ride every bus route, so of course I gave it a try
*SPECIAL* Citymapper SmartBus: CMS0? | BT66UAS || CMX1: Waterloo & Blackfriars circular by #RandomBuses AlίsҺα, on Flickr It's absolutely not true these were empty - had a mix of curious civilians usually informed via the app, few random ones who were in the right place at the right time (and saved money ), TfL employees, and of course bus enthusiasts. I heard they've even managed to catch few tourists. And we came across journos too!! In the rush hour in the morning they were well loaded. Apart from a driver they also had a CityMapper person on board. All was in a very friendly, cheerful atmosphere. You got to ask questions and feedback on the app. Or just chit-chat They also said they have 2 things they want to explore: express routes, and something similar to Dial&Ride and the Harry Potter Knight Bus - they start at a set location then everyone tell them where they want to go and the computer calculates the route. Either way, I recommend trying it out It's a proper circular and you can stay on as long as you want to. Btw, do you guys have fleetcodes and plates for the buses?There are 3 of them. So far all I know: CMS?? is BT66UAS; CMS?? is BT66??? CMS03 is BT66UAR (one I rode). They seem to have fleetcodes inside only. Sadly I was working today and also tomorrow so hopefully they decide to bring it back again in the near future. |
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Post by ThinLizzy on May 9, 2017 19:06:21 GMT
It would appear that Impact Coaches (owned by Transit Systems) are also involved in the pilot as well.
Having looked at all the blurb on the website it all looks really impressive. No doubt it will have it's knockers and nay-sayers but I really hope the future project will be a real success
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Post by snoggle on May 9, 2017 19:13:03 GMT
It's absolutely not true these were empty To be completely accurate, as I assume you're referring my earlier remark, I said *one* picture on social media *appeared* to show an empty bus. Clearly I had no other basis for comment as I've been nowhere near Central London today. By all means "slap me round the chops" when I say something that's blatantly wrong but I tend to be very careful in what I say to avoid such situations.  And thanks for the photo and feedback. All I've seen today is stuff from media folks although Railway Loony Tim Dunn on Twitter also tried it out but wasn't exactly blown over by it. If I can summon the enthusiasm I may toddle down tomorrow to take a look as much to see what one of these modern day Sprinters are like. The First London ones years back on the 395 tunnel route weren't the best bus I've ever used. |
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Post by stuckonthe486 on May 10, 2017 12:37:03 GMT
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