2 ms·

I don't think the API gives actual train locations? It just gives an estimate of how long until the next train arrives. I've found that it is pretty accurate on

by bonyt 8y ago

I don't think the API gives actual train locations? It just gives an estimate of how long until the next train arrives. I've found that it is pretty accurate on some lines, but it feels like just a guess on others. I recently waited 45 minutes for a train which the sign and app perpetually said was 12 minutes way. I generally look at the sign or app now and think of it as a binary thing - the train is either probably coming soon, or it is going to be a while. I heard a story from a colleague who had recently traveled to Japan. He leaned over the edge of the platform to see if a train was coming, as is common in NYC, and found that this surprised everyone around him. They trusted the signs and the schedule.

berberous 8y ago
The numbered trains have more accurate data than the lettered lines. Here's some more detail from this article: http://www.metro-magazine.com/rail/article/715387/nyc-transit-uses-new-tech-tests-real-time-train-arrival http://www.metro-magazine.com/rail/article/715387/nyc-transi... "Over the past few years, however, MTA New York City Transit (NYC Transit) customers using the numbered lines (except 7) and the L have benefitted from the installation of countdown clocks that alert them to which trains are coming and how many minutes away they are. Countdown clocks were first introduced along the L in conjunction with the installation of the Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) moving block signaling system. Second-generation clocks, facilitated by Automatic Train Supervision (ATS), were installed along the 1 through 6 lines. Countdown clocks take the guesswork out of waiting for a train, offering a reduction in stress levels for harried New Yorkers. The clocks are arguably the most welcome innovation to the New York City subway since the arrival of dependable and effective subway car air conditioning. Instead of leaning over the platform, all they have to do is look up and the arrivals of the next trains are displayed in real-time. With stations along the numbered lines (A Division) nearly all covered, that unfortunately still left about two-thirds of the system in the dark, so to speak. Given the size of the B Division and the technical complexity of the implementation, customers using the A, B, C, D, E, F, G, J/Z, M, N, Q and R Lines were looking at 2020 before they could begin relaxing those neck muscles. Then, prompted by New York State Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, innovation combined with the arrival of a new technology to create a solution. That solution involves the use of beacon technology. In description, the system being piloted is relatively simple: Installed on platforms are Bluetooth receivers that communicate with beacons placed on the first and last cars of a subway train. As the train enters a station, the system uses its arrival and departure times to estimate the time at which the train will reach the next stop. That information is them transmitted via Wi-Fi to the LCD screens."

by bonyt 8y ago

berberous 8y ago

The numbered trains have more accurate data than the lettered lines. Here's some more detail from this article: http://www.metro-magazine.com/rail/article/715387/nyc-transit-uses-new-tech-tests-real-time-train-arrival http://www.metro-magazine.com/rail/article/715387/nyc-transi... "Over the past few years, however, MTA New York City Transit (NYC Transit) customers using the numbered lines (except 7) and the L have benefitted from the installation of countdown clocks that alert them to which trains are coming and how many minutes away they are. Countdown clocks were first introduced along the L in conjunction with the installation of the Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) moving block signaling system. Second-generation clocks, facilitated by Automatic Train Supervision (ATS), were installed along the 1 through 6 lines. Countdown clocks take the guesswork out of waiting for a train, offering a reduction in stress levels for harried New Yorkers. The clocks are arguably the most welcome innovation to the New York City subway since the arrival of dependable and effective subway car air conditioning. Instead of leaning over the platform, all they have to do is look up and the arrivals of the next trains are displayed in real-time. With stations along the numbered lines (A Division) nearly all covered, that unfortunately still left about two-thirds of the system in the dark, so to speak. Given the size of the B Division and the technical complexity of the implementation, customers using the A, B, C, D, E, F, G, J/Z, M, N, Q and R Lines were looking at 2020 before they could begin relaxing those neck muscles. Then, prompted by New York State Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, innovation combined with the arrival of a new technology to create a solution. That solution involves the use of beacon technology. In description, the system being piloted is relatively simple: Installed on platforms are Bluetooth receivers that communicate with beacons placed on the first and last cars of a subway train. As the train enters a station, the system uses its arrival and departure times to estimate the time at which the train will reach the next stop. That information is them transmitted via Wi-Fi to the LCD screens."