Helping the commuting experience with real-time bus tracking
As the national bus operator responsible to operate all public transport services by bus on the Maltese islands, Malta Public Transport is constantly seeking ways to improve the passenger experience. The company is introducing the latest advancement within the Tallinja App: real-time bus tracking. The aim is to reduce uncertainty while waiting at the bus stops, as the real-time tracking feature empowers commuters to understand the bus position in relation to their bus stop location.
To access this new feature, one can simply log in to the Tallinja App, select their desired bus stop, and observe as the map showcases the current location of the bus, complete with its designated route number and estimated arrival time. A step-by-step guide is listed below with further details.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Download the Tallinja App and Use the Real-Time Bus Tracking Feature
- Download the Tallinja App
- Open the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices) on your smartphone.
- In the search bar, type "Tallinja" and press enter.
- Locate the Tallinja App in the search results and tap on it to open the app page.
- Tap on the "Download" or "Install" button to download and install the Tallinja App onto your device.
- Once the installation is complete, tap on the Tallinja icon to open the app.
- Access the Feature
- Simply open the Tallinja App to access the real-time bus tracking feature. There's no need to create a new account or log in; all Tallinja App users, whether they're logged in or not, can access this feature immediately.
- Accept Location Sharing
- Upon first opening, you will be prompted to allow the app to access your device's location. This is necessary to locate your nearest bus stop and for the real-time bus tracking feature to function accurately.
- Tap on "Allow" or "OK" when prompted to grant location access to the Tallinja App.
- Access Real-Time Bus Tracking
- Once you're in the Tallinja App and you’ve have granted location access, you can access the real-time bus tracking feature by selecting the desired bus or bus stop icon on the map.
- Besides tapping on the "Bus" icon, you can also navigate to the designated section within the app to access the real-time bus tracking feature.
- Select Your Bus Stop
- On the map displayed within the Tallinja app home page, locate your desired bus stop by zooming in or scrolling around the map.
- Use the search bar to search for a specific bus stop by name or location.
- Alternatively, click on the ‘bus’ button on the middle-left corner of the Tallinja Home page.
- Enable Real-Time Bus Tracking
- Once you've selected your bus stop, enable real-time bus tracking by toggling the switch labeled "Show buses on the map in real-time."
- The map will display buses as colored square icons with route numbers inside, indicating their real-time locations.
- It should be noted that upon leaving the bus stop the bus will disappear for a short while.
- Monitor Bus Locations
- As buses move along their routes, their locations will be updated in real-time on the map.
- You can monitor the movement of buses towards your selected bus stop and estimate their arrival times based on their current locations.
- Disable Real-Time Bus Tracking (Optional)
- If you no longer wish to track bus locations within a given bus stop in real-time, you can disable the feature by toggling off the switch labeled "Show buses on the map in real-time."
- This will stop the app from displaying real-time bus locations on the map.
- Provide Feedback and Support:
- If you encounter any issues or have feedback regarding the real-time bus tracking feature, you can submit it through the app's built-in feedback form or contact Tallinja customer support for assistance.
- Enjoy Your Enhanced Commute
- With the Tallinja App and its real-time bus tracking feature, you can enjoy a smoother and more informed commute, knowing exactly when your bus will arrive at your stop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the frequency of bus location updates?
The bus transmits its location to the app approximately every 5 seconds using GPS technology. However, if the bus traverses through an area characterised by poor cellular network coverage, the frequency of location updates may be affected.
- What actions are taken if the app fails to receive the latest bus location?
Should the app fail to receive the most recent GPS location of the bus within a span of 1 minute, it will proceed to grey out the bus icon and notify the user via a message displayed in a blue box.
- Will the bus location feature function in the presence of mobile data connectivity issues?
Should your mobile device encounter challenges pertaining to data connectivity, the accuracy and update frequency of bus location information may be compromised. For optimal performance, it is recommended to use 5G data connectivity when possible.
- Are there any limitations regarding bus visibility on the app?
In instances where a bus stop experiences diversions or unforeseen alterations to its designated route, the visibility of bus locations for that specific route may be affected. Similarly, if a route deviates through a bus stop not intended for service due to diversions or operational modifications, the bus location on the app will not be visible. Nonetheless, on unaffected bus stops, buses will remain visible as they navigate through diverted routes or stops.
- Will utilising the bus location feature significantly drain my mobile battery?
Designed to minimise battery consumption, the bus location feature is optimised for efficiency. However, in the event of low battery levels, it is advisable to deactivate the bus location feature. The mobile device will automatically regulate the frequency of data transmission to conserve battery life, therefore limiting retrieving frequent bus location updates on the Tallinja app. This can hinder the accuracy of bus location.
- How accurate is the estimated arrival time provided by the app?
The estimated arrival time shown on the app is based on real-time bus location data and is calculated based on the distance away from the bus stop. It generally provides accurate predictions by considering the bus's velocity and other intelligent parameters. However, factors such as traffic conditions, unforeseen delays, and route diversions may impact the actual arrival time. We recommend using the estimated arrival time as a guideline rather than an absolute guarantee.
- Can I track multiple buses simultaneously?
Yes, you can track multiple buses simultaneously by selecting different bus stops or routes on the map. Each bus will be represented by a separate icon on the map, allowing you to monitor their locations in real-time.
- Is the real-time bus tracking feature available for all bus routes?
Yes, the real-time bus tracking feature is available for all bus routes serviced by our transportation network. You can track the location of buses on any route by selecting the corresponding bus stop on the app.
- Can I use the real-time bus tracking feature offline?
No, the real-time bus tracking feature requires an active internet connection to retrieve and display bus location data. Offline usage is not supported, as the app relies on real-time updates to provide accurate bus locations.
- How can I provide feedback or report issues with the real-time bus tracking feature?
We welcome your feedback and encourage you to report any issues or suggestions regarding the real-time bus tracking feature. You can submit feedback through the app's built-in feedback form or contact our customer support team directly for assistance.