NJT

Inside Track – Track Number Predictions

Inside Track – Track Number Predictions

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For trains departing NY’s Penn Station, the transit providers have a stated policy of releasing each train’s track number assignment “10-15 minutes prior” to the scheduled departure time. However, that is a guideline…not a guarantee. Some trains are announced just a few minutes in advance. Also, there are instances where the train number is known by the transit providers…but not shared with the commuters.

The Inside Track (Clever Commute’s premium service) changes all that. We use a proprietary algorithm to dynamically predict each track number before it is announced by the transit providers.

When you click-through on history icon (right-most column) for each train, you will see a page with 4 sections: (click to enlarge)

CleverCommuteEnhancedTrackPrediction

1. Date range selector – Our model is most accurate when it looks at the largest pool (e.g., 60-day) of   historical data.

2. Pie chart – historical track assignments for this train
(it will change as you adjust #1 above)

3. Prediction table – For a given track number, it shows
– Location: a list of tracks that this train has used in the selected time period. Our technology eliminates some tracks as options for this train on this day (e.g., Track 3).
– Occurs: the number of times that track has been used by this train
– Historical Percentage: that number expresses as a percent of the sample size
– Probability: the Clever Commute probability of that train being on a given track for this commute

4. Day-by-day track history – track assignment for this train over the selected period

 

Important things to note 

  • We continue to revise our technology, and the predictions will get better over time. Do not expect 100% accuracy.
  • The stats will change right up until the track is announced.  At that time, the announced track will be set to 100% Probability.
  • Often times, information about eliminated tracks can be just as helpful as the Probability
  • Adjacent tracks matter! One platform serves two tracks. So, feel free to take a peek down the stairs and get a 2-for-1 view!
  • It is your responsibility to be sure you are on the right train. Always verify and listen for official announcements.

 

 

 

Tuesday is the new Monday

Tuesday is the new Monday

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Here is a color-coded breakdown of how the news flowed during this morning’s incident.

Color key:

Red – Information form Clever Commute (not all entries shown)
Blue – Information from NJ Transit  (e-mail plus web site) 

The incident began at approx 7:59 AM…and was immediately reported by the commuters. The first e-mail from NJ Transit comes approximately 20 minutes later. 
7:59 AM – Power problems. Train stopped.
8:01 AM – Conductor announces Amtrak losing power
8:03 AM – All NE Corridor inbound trains stopped, heard in conductors radio, no explanation given to passengers yet.
8:04 AM – Amtrak voltage problems. All NJT trains are stopped.
8:06 AM – Going to Hoboken (trains to NYP are diverted)
8:16 AM – 8:01 Madison to NYPENN re routed to Hoboken. Conductor reporting all midtown direct trains are going to Hoboken
… (more Clever Commute messages)…

8:20 AM – MidTown Direct Service is diverted to Hoboken. We are cross honoring with NJT bus and PATH
8:25 AM – Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line service is suspended in both directions, due to Amtrak overhead wire problem
(End. No other communication from NJ Transit)

8:35 AM – Conductor on train stuck at Princeton Jct says trains are moving in front of us. Waiting out turn to move.
8:35 AM – NJT3926 7:45 fr:PJCT now on the move towards NB – supposedly NWK is next stop
8:38 AM – Anecdotal reports of trains at Eliz and Metro moving. Westbound train just came by Metuchen w/o stopping.
8:46 AM – Just board a local train from metuchen. Conductor announced delay into NY, but trains are moving
… (more Clever Commute messages)…

 

Monday came on Tuesday for NJT Riders

Monday came on Tuesday for NJT Riders

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Here is a color-coded breakdown of how the news flowed during this morning’s incident.

Color key:
Red – Information form Clever Commute (not all entries shown)
Blue – Information from NJ Transit  (e-mail plus web site) 

The incident began at approx 7:59 AM…and was immediately reported by the commuters. The first e-mail from NJ Transit comes approximately 20 minutes later. 

7:59 AM – Power problems. Train stopped.
8:01 AM – Conductor announces Amtrak losing power
8:03 AM – All NE Corridor inbound trains stopped, heard in conductors radio, no explanation given to passengers yet.
8:04 AM – Amtrak voltage problems. All NJT trains are stopped.
8:06 AM – Going to Hoboken (trains to NYP are diverted)
8:16 AM – 8:01 Madison to NYPENN re routed to Hoboken. Conductor reporting all midtown direct trains are going to Hoboken …

8:20 AM – MidTown Direct Service is diverted to Hoboken. We are cross honoring with NJT bus and PATH
8:25 AM – Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line service is suspended in both directions, due to Amtrak overhead wire problem

Watch this space (and be amazed)

Watch this space (and be amazed)

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In the Summer of 2012, as a member of NJ Transit’s Developer program, Clever Commute built an app which gave commuters track number information in advance of being announced by NJT.

The information Clever Commute shared came directly from a NJT datafeed…and was delivered to the commuters in compliance with the NJT/Clever Commute partnership agreement.  Both sides openly acknowledged that the advance-track-number information was not 100% accurate/complete. However, Clever Commuters raved about this service.

NJT expressed displeasure with the fact that we were indeed using one of the data fields that they included in the field provided to us (and to all developers). Details of NJT/Clever Commute story can be found in this Wall Street Journal story.
To make a long story short: NJT stopped sharing that particular data feed with all developers.

However, Clever  Commute used this series of events as a catalyst to build an amazing suite of premium services which meets the needs to today’s commuters. We spent two years working / building / designing. After putting in over 1,200 enhancements, we are announcing the next version of The Inside Track – a portfolio of amazing features which empowers the commuters and gives them control over the data they need.

Today’s big news: Early-notice track numbers are coming back. In many ways our new approach makes “Round 2” better than before. 

Please follow this link to see all the details.

 

 

 

Fall 2013 NJT Schedule Changes

Fall 2013 NJT Schedule Changes

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New rail schedules will be in effect October 13, 2013. Earlier this week, we asked the commuters to share their impressions  regarding what will be changing.  This post reflects what was shared:

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:  This is community-generate content. The format of the below is a bit inconsistent. Clever Commute is NOT responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the data below. Please check your schedule prior to Monday’s commute. (Schedules are available  from NJT via this link)

Scroll down to see

  • Northeast Corridor Line (1 report)
  • Gladstone/Morristown Lines (2 reports)
  • Montclair-Boonton Line (2 reports)
  • Main/Bergen Line (1 report)

Northeast Corridor

Earlier departures are marked “-”

later departures “+” (since an earlier departure is a pain, but a later departure is a plus).

== AM Rush – Trains arriving New York before 9:00 am ==

Scheduled arrival times in Newark and New York are unchanged.

+ Trains that departed Trenton at 5:59 and earlier will now depart Trenton through New Brunswick 1 to 5 minutes later. Sleep in!

– The 6:11 Trenton local will now depart Trenton, Hamilton & Pr. Jct. 2 minutes earlier (at 6:09, 6:15, and 6:23).

– The 6:23 Trenton express will now depart T/H/PJ 2 minutes earlier (at 6:21, 6:28, and 6:35).

– The 6:46 Trenton express will now depart Pr. Jct 1 minute earlier (at 7:00); Trenton & Hamilton are unchanged.

– The 7:00 Trenton express will now depart T/H/PJ 3 minutes earlier (at 6:57, 7:04, and 7:11).

= The 7:12 Trenton express (7:19 at Hamilton, 7:27 at Pr. Jct) is unchanged.

+ The 7:29 Trenton express will now depart T/H/PJ 2 minutes later (at 7:31, 7:38, and 7:45).

– The 7:04 semi-express from New Brunswick will now depart 1 minute earlier at 7:03.

+ The 7:12 semi-express from New Brunswick will now depart 2 minutes later at 7:14.

+ Jersey Avenue departures at 7:54 and earlier will now depart 1-4 minutes later, except for the 6:49 which will depart 2 minutes earlier at 6:47.

== PM Rush – Trains departing New York 4-8 pm ==

Most trains are unchanged.

– The 4:54 to Jersey Ave will now leave 2 minutes earlier at 4:52 and add a stop at Seacaucus. It will still depart Newark at 5:10.

+ The 5:12 to Jersey Ave will still leave NYP at 5:12, but will leave Newark 2 minutes later at 5:32.

– The 5:17 express to Trenton will leave 1 minute earlier at 5:16, and will leave Newark 1 minute earlier at 5:36.

Gladstone/Morristown (I of 2)

·         If I take a HOB-bound train to change at Summit for NYP, a train originating at Summit was moved earlier to catch others doing the same change, or just starting at Summit. That’s great since that train gets very crowded. The current train I would change to, originating in Gladstone, no longer stops at Summit.

·         A new MTD option was added for Morristown with a 7:06a departure and 8:12a arrival.

Gladstone/Morristown (2 of 2)

Short Hills station and I presume others on my line will be inconvenienced…in the evening.
Most express trains are now gone, replaced with locals that increase travel time by 11 minutes or so.
Some details:
  • OUTBOUND
  • Train number 6655
  • Origin/Destination names Penn Station – Short Hills
  • Old “departure time” = 6:22
  • New “departure time” = 6:18
  • Old “arrival time” = 6:55
  • New “arrival time” = 7:02
Meanwhile, they also cancelled stops at Short Hills and Millburn that also stop at Mountain.

Montclair Boonton Line (1 of 2)

  • Direction (inbound/outbound): Inbound
  • Train number: 6210
  • Origin/Destination names Origin: MSU…Destination: NYP
    (best if you can also share the name of the “end of the line” for all trains)
  • Old “departure time”: 7:25am
  • New “departure time”: 7:22am
  • Old “arrival time” <== IMPORTANT 8:21pm
  • New “arrival time” <== IMPORTANT: 8:19pm

NEW TRAIN

  • Direction (inbound/outbound): Inbound
  • Train number: 204
  • Origin/Destination names Origin: MSU…Destination: Hoboken (via Newark Broad St)
    (best if you can also share the name of the “end of the line” for all trains)
  • Old “departure time”: 6:29am (based on Train 1070 from Hacketsstown)
  • New “departure time”: 6:30pm
  • Old “arrival time” <== IMPORTANT 7:13am (Hoboken), 7:28 (NYP via Newark Broad St)
  • New “arrival time” <== IMPORTANT: 7:17am (Hobken due to add’l stops), 7:28 (NYP via Newark)
  • Direction (inbound/outbound): Inbound
  • Train number: 1070
  • Origin/Destination names Origin: Hackettstown…Destination: Hoboken (via Newark Broad St)
    (best if you can also share the name of the “end of the line” for all trains)
  • Old “departure time”: 5:14am (6:29am from MSU))
  • New “departure time”: 5:10am (6:25am from MSU)
  • Old “arrival time” <== IMPORTANT 7:13am (Hoboken), 7:28 (NYP via Newark Broad St)
  • New “arrival time” <== IMPORTANT: 7:00am (Hobken due to express train due to new train # 204), 7:16(NYP via Newark)
  • Express Train Skips: Montclair Heights, Mountain Ave, Upper Montclair, Walnut Street, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield & Watsessing
  • Direction (inbound/outbound): Inbound
  • Train number: 1000
  • Origin/Destination names Origin: Denville…Destination: Hoboken (via Newark Broad St)
    (best if you can also share the name of the “end of the line” for all trains)
  • Old “departure time”: 6:30am (7:08am from MSU))
  • New “departure time”: 6:27am (7:04am from MSU)
  • Old “arrival time” <== IMPORTANT 7:55am (Hoboken), 8:17am (NYP via Newark Broad St)
  • New “arrival time” <== IMPORTANT: 7:42am (Hobken due to express train due to new train # 208),8:00am (NYP via Newark)
  • Express Train Skips: Montclair Heights, Mountain Ave, Upper Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield & Watsessing

NEW TRAIN

  • Direction (inbound/outbound): Inbound
  • Train number: 208
  • Origin/Destination names Origin: MSU…Destination: Hoboken (via Newark Broad St)
    (best if you can also share the name of the “end of the line” for all trains)
  • Old “departure time”: 7:08am (based on Train 1000 from Denville)
  • New “departure time”: 7:10am
  • Old “arrival time” <== IMPORTANT 7:55am (Hoboken), 8:17am (NYP via Newark Broad St)
  • New “arrival time” <== IMPORTANT: 7:57am (Hobken due to add’l stops)

Montclair Boonton Line (2 of 2)

Train 6293 from NY Penn Sation to Watchung Ave. (Montclair State is end of line)

  • Old 8:37 PM => 9:15 PM (9:28 PM at MSU)
  • New 8:32 PM =>9:09 PM (9:22 PM at MSU)

Main/Bergen

Saturdays / Sundays / Holidays
Train 1878
Old: Depart Waldwick at 7:38pm; arrive in Secaucus 8:17pm; arrive in Hoboken 8:29pm
New: Depart Waldwick at 7:32pm; arrive in Secaucus 8:11pm; arrive in Hoboken 8:23pm
Train 94
New: Departing Port Jervis at 6:22am –> only runs on November 28, January 20, and February 17
Train 88
New: Departing Port Jervice at 4:09pm –> only runs on January 20 and February 17
Train 91
New: Departing Hoboken at 12:13pm –> only runs on November 28
Train 93
New: Departing Hoboken at 5:19pm –> only runs on January 20 and February 17
Monday – Friday
Train 99
Old: Departing Hoboken at 2:45pm –> only on August 30th
New: Departing Hoboken at 2:45pm –> only on November 27 and December 24
Train 59
Old: Departing Hoboken at 6:11pm –> does not run on August 30th
New: Departing Hoboken at 6:11pm –> does not run on November 27 and December 24

 

Filed Under: NJT

How we help when there are LIRR “track changes at NY Penn” and NJT “single tracking”

How we help when there are LIRR “track changes at NY Penn” and NJT “single tracking”

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The problem: Some widespread transit issues can be identified purely by technology (e.g., when 30% of NJT trains are listed as “STAND BY”). However, other issues benefit from user input. When “the latter” happens, we need a way to quickly publish/share the info with interested commuters.

The solution: Clever Commute technology will now “listen” for keywords which indicate that a known large problem is happening. When it does, The Inside Track will then automatically send a message to it’s subscribers.

To be clear: We will still depend on commuters to be the primary source of this info. Somebody must post the first alert to identify when these situations happen. The innovation here is that ALL in-scope commuters are now guaranteed to be notified…according to their preferences (text vs e-mail, time-of-day, day-of-week, etc)

Two examples of where we are putting this to work:

1. LIRR Track number changes at NY’s Penn Station – Seasoned commuters know that LIRR NYP track number assignments are fairly predictable. It’s not exact…but there is a pattern…or a cluster…and the commuters have a feel for what to expect.
However, the absence of finding trains on normal tracks can be a sign of system-wide problems (the problem may be in progress or on the horizon).  At a minimum, “track changes” requires heightened awareness on the part of the commuter.

2. Single-tracking into NY’s Penn Station – This appears to be more of a NJ Transit phenomenon…but may happen elsewhere. The scenario is that some type of “blockage” means that only 1 of 2 tracks are available for travel (usually) into or out of the city. Undeniably, a single-track situation creates delays.