SIGNS at bus stops in Edinburgh are now displaying live times and additional information across the city due to an update to the way Lothian Buses and other operators transmit data to the council.
Lothian Buses have been fitted with trackers for more than a year now, but information has to be transmitted to the council, which operates the digital bus departure signs at bus stops.
At most bus stops throughout the city, live departure times were rolled out, but it took a bit longer for roads like Leith Walk, where screens had, until now, only displayed timetable information.
Lothian Buses also announced that it would begin displaying live updates on diversions and part routes which could only previously be accessed online.
The bus trackers were only displaying timetabled bus times until late last year and it has taken until last week to roll out live times to Leith Walk (C) Lothian Buses
This was revealed by Liberal Democrat Councillor for Leith Walk Jack Caldwell in a Facebook post.
In addition to information about Leith Walk trackers, he also pointed out that live times would continue to be unavailable at the Pilrig Street and Foot of the Walk stops due to a power supply issue and planned bus stop move, respectively.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:
“It’s fantastic to see the travel tracker upgrade being rolled out citywide. I’m conscious this is something we’ve been working on for some time and I’m grateful for the patience of the travelling public as we get this right.
“We want to encourage as many people as possible to use our award-winning public transport network, of which our buses remain a cornerstone.
“With the busy festive period just around the corner, I’m sure that this will be a great help to everyone getting around the city.”
Services from other, non-Lothian operators will now also be visible on the trackers.
However, that point, as well as live updates for part routes and diversions are still in their testing and monitoring phase across the city.
In a statement on changes on its website, Lothian Buses said: “The City of Edinburgh Council own and operate all digital on-street departure signs at bus stops across the city.
“Every operator providing bus services in the Edinburgh area is eligible to provide departure information to the on-street departure signs at the City of Edinburgh Council’s discretion.
“Each operator assumes responsibility for the accuracy and quality of the information shown.
“Lothian provide departure information for its services including Lothian Buses, Lothian Country, East Coast Buses, Airlink and Night Buses routes.
“The information from Lothian is provided in real time and as timetabled departures. Journey disruption information is being rolled out to the on-street signs.
“You can find details about the types of departure information now available in the tabs below.”
It is unknown why it took so much longer to roll out bus trackers on Leith Walk that the rest of the city.
The project to install 330 screens displaying live times on Edinburgh bus stops was rolled out last year.
The scheme was initially planned to be up and running by early 2021, but it faced continual delays due to Brexit, Covid, and issues with the GPS systems of Edinburgh buses.
With the latest update, the screens will display the words “part route” if a route has been truncated, “Diverted” if a bus has been diverted away from the stop, and “On diversion” if a bus has been diverted to that stop from another.
The City of Edinburgh Council has been approached for comment.
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