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Flag Stops - get them known and used through Google Transit
It would be so great if the flag stops were listed somewhere so that people could know they exist, and where. If not on the schedule then at least on a little flier or something. It would also be really AWESOME if the flag stops were listed with Google Transit...it would make the trip results so much more accurate and useful.
I’m hopeful
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Inappropriate?TybieJF: I spoke with Greg Pratt, Operations Manager for HTA, about this, and, since the latest bus stop location data that Patch Hofweber gathered from riding the RTS Mainline includes some signed stops that aren't included on timetables, I may try to see that these stop locations are included in the beta interactive system map and in Google Transit.
However, including unsigned "flag stops" would be risky, because the bus isn't guaranteed to stop there if it runs a deviated route or is running behind schedule.
What do you think of this approach? -
Inappropriate?I think that the flag stops should be included on the virtual map, and perhaps hidden on the schedule pages on the websites (a checkbox at the bottom of the page that toggles their display, maybe?).
Clear and easily noticeable disclaimers should be posted, stating that the stops may or may not be visited or stopped at, in addition to the disclaimer that all "real" stops already have.1 Comment
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This is one of the best points
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Derek: I like the approach, except I think the toggle for showing non-timing points (flag stops, etc.) on the timetables may be overkill.
Tell me if I am wrong, but I am actually starting to feel that the Redwood Transit System website is actually starting to have a bit too many ways of seeing schedules. HTA and I have invested time in experimenting on different approaches, which is good, but now I feel its time to identify what works and stick to that, and actually prune down options.
Here's what I am thinking: an interactive map that shows all possible stop points, and then a timetable that actually shows less timing points than it does now (for example, just a few of the timing points on 4th and 5th in Eureka would be shown). By looking at the map, people could see all possible stop locations and infer the stop times from the more streamlined timetable. That'll be more like TriMet and many other agencies. We'll see. In the meantime, your feedback is always appreciated. -
Inappropriate?Tybie: We have locations for many signed stops that aren't timing points on the schedule now, but incorporating them into the scheduling database and map will take a good few hours of extra work. Would you be willing to help with the process?
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Inappropriate?Willing, yes. Able...depends on when you need it done by. I am pretty packed until school gets out in mid-December. Is that too far off? -
Inappropriate?Tybie: For various reasons, I am trying to publish a new Google Transit feed for Humboldt County sometime next week (which will have shape information, so the bus routes follow the street grid). I think we'll go with the current scheduling information and then incorporate those extra signed stops later. Shouldn't be too hard to do, but will involve some extra work
It may be good to take the time to make sure we have a thorough inventory of signed stops that aren't included right now. Here's the list of new stops that aren't included. Does anyone have extras to add?
To see where any of these locations are, just copy and past the lat/lon into Google Maps and press search.
Also, note that I am not currently sure which of these are truly signed stops and which are flag stops (without a sign). I'll invite Patch, who collected this data, to enlighten us.
We need to be careful in defining flag stops and extra stops. Note the recent post about some stops being skipped in Fortuna. Publishing more stop locations can mean committing to them, and buses can and do get behind schedule!
E&J's Southbound 40.4942 -124.102687
E&J's Northbound 40.49428 124.102617
E&J's Flag Stop Southbound 40.4942 -124.102687
Davis St. Flag Stop 40.499195 124.103047
Dell Mobile Park Flag Stop 40.502643 124.106621
Rio Dell Flag Stop 40.504976 124.109245
School & Ronald Ave 40.570156 124.134218
Campton Heights Market 0.570185 124.136485
Clifton Flag Stop 40.576356 124.129003
Broadway Flag Stop 40.789853 124.179465
Broadway Cinema Flag Stop Southbound 40.795407 124.176176
West Peninsula Flag Stop Southbound 40.840396 124.170531
West Peninsula Flag Stop Northbound 40.841744 124.169487
Peninsula Flag Stop 40.851878 124.162837
I’m enjoying collaboration
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Inappropriate?There is a flag stop (no sign) on Railroad Avenue in McKinleyville. It is in front of a church, south of the high school. Works on both Northbound and Southbound sides.
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Inappropriate?Well, I think at this point there are strong reasons to choose not to put unofficial or even semi-official unsigned flag stops out there in the passenger-facing information. HTA/RTS feels the risk of confusing passengers unfamiliar with riding the bus or committing to serve and pick up at unsigned stops are too great. It's interesting to compare how various bus systems deal with this issue. Some are super-strict — only signed stops; others will seem to stop anywhere.
