Anyone know what the figure means next to the # of cars? It’s new, I fear change.Submitted by 858 t3_zqngar in washingtondc
Pure_Contact5891 t1_j0z5ffr wrote
Reply to comment by ahmc84 in Anyone know what the figure means next to the # of cars? It’s new, I fear change. by 858
"We added estimated crowding info in 21 stations with our newest Next Train signs. Shown next to the car length, this info is based on previous trends of each train at a particular stop to determine if you get a seat, need to spread out, or wait!"
What is the source of the trend data?
Edit:
kevin_from_illinois mentioned above that "Google Maps has been showing it for a while. I suspect it is based on localization data from smartphones."
JohnJohnston t1_j0zhcb4 wrote
If the station master wakes up and sees his shadow the train is crowded. If he doesn't see his shadow then the train is on fire.
LoganSquire t1_j0zelb2 wrote
Take hand, extend finger, lick, hold up to wind.
Erigion t1_j0zrhri wrote
Other way around. WMATA provides data through their api. And it's based on historical data, not real time info.
increasingrain t1_j10v0sk wrote
I assume fare hoppers will make this less accurate for rail? It look like the bus just checks people going in and out of the doors.
keyjan t1_j0zhr6s wrote
My question exactly. If the lead car is packed, and the rest of the train pretty empty, does the train operator say his/her train is “🧍♀️🧍🧍♀️“ ?
kevin_from_illinois t1_j124n3o wrote
That may be for historical trends, it could also be from station entrances and exits. Interestingly metrobuses actually have a live indicator of bus capacity, it is explained here: https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Real-Time-Crowding.cfm
I've updated my previous comment accordingly.
Note that the article explicitly states that the tech is not installed on train cars, at least during December 2020.
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