Sunday, December 21, 2014

Version 7.2 was released to the app store today!

UPDATE:  The app has been approved, but it may not be released until after the holidays as Apple is about to shutdown.  Let's see what happens!

Today I have released version 7.2 to the app store.  This has a several changes including:

  • Updated for iOS 8.
  • Updated streetcar data source - now the streetcar data comes directly from TriMet.  I did this as the Streercar data originally came from a different company, but they keep changing the way the data works which would break all the apps. This won't happen again as now TriMet is also providing the data.
  • Native support for iPhone 6 + 6 Plus screen sizes.
  • New MAX and WES map.
  • Added text to explain the different colors used for the arrival times.
  • Changed the keyboard type to allow emoji again.
I've been sitting on this release for a while, and have been too busy to release it (I do this in my spare time!).

I'm still working on other enhancements (e.g. prepping for localization, and watch support).  One day I'd like to fix the user interface too!

Enjoy.  Happy Hols!

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Version 7.1 approved in record time (after requesting an expedited review)

This fix will sort out the problems with the Streetcar and had several other bug fixes I had been working on. It should be in the store any moment now.

7.1 - Bug fixes

Fix for all Streetcar arrivals - the data provider changed the data without any warning (the data doesnt come from TriMet, but from a third party called 'NextBus').

Also:
  • Added backBookmarks at the top’ setting.
  • iOS 7: Fixed refresh timer button so it doesnt flash.
  • iOS 7: Fixed some graphics glitches.
  • Canceled buses show the time crossed out.
  • Fixed app store link from main screen.
  • Now uses Apples geocoder for getting addresses from GPS locations.
  • Fixed issues when GPS is used for destination in Trip Planner.
  • Added back proximity alarm icon.
  • Removed black color theme; it does not work well in iOS7.
  • Changed JELD-WEN Field to Providence Park. Go Timbers!
  • Added route map with stops to arrival details.
  • Toolbar map icon now behaves consistently added new menu item to map arrivals
  • Added new URL scheme to allow other apps to launch PDX Buss trip planner.
  • Icon has been tweaked.
  • Improved responsiveness, memory usage and display of MAX & Streetcar maps.
  • Minor fixes to station search.
  • The Nearby stops option for arrivals has been updated to to show maps, routes or arrivals.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Streetcar arrivals broken, for the time being

Sorry, but the folks that provide the Streetcar arrives times (not TriMet!) changed the way it works and so broke PDX Bus.  I'm not able to fix it quickly, so it will be broken for a while.  However, there is a way to work around it.

In the app, go to settings.  Scroll down to where it says "Tracker link" and turn that on (see below):



Then when you see a stop with no arrivals like below, choose "Check TriMet web site" and you'll get the arrivals.

Then you'll see the web page with arrivals:




Friday, February 7, 2014

Interesting stop for Line 12 on the transit mall

I got an interesting review that there is an extra stop on line 12 when you browse the route downtown - "6th and Yamhill" appears between "5th and Madison" and "5th and Market"...


It looks like this in the app:

Well, all this data comes from TriMet.  So I asked them about it, and here's the answer:
The way the schedule is written there is a single [bus] on weekdays that ends at that stop at 1:32am. Technically it's served in that direction and route so it shows up in the stop list.
However, they are going to remove it from the list here as it is confusing... so there you go.  It isn't really wrong,  it's just that the bus doesn't go that way very often. 

Sunday, January 26, 2014

PDX Bus Version 7.0 is approved

It'll be in the app store soon.  I've been working on this slowly for a while, on and off.

  • Updated user interface for iOS 7
  • Fixed streetcar arrivals on Harrison.
  • Fixed location search so that stops that are both bus and rail stops are correctly filtered.
  • New icon from Rob Alan.
  • Added vehicle color "tags"
  • Added TriMet Facebook page.
  • Added support to launch TriMet Tickets App.
  • Added warning for flashing light.
  • Many toolbar icons are now optional - see settings.
  • Fixed locator screen flow.
  • Large bus line identifier now rotates on iPhone.
  • Disabled screen rotation on old iPads as it did not fully work.
  • Added rail map toolbar button to station list screen.


Check the app store to see if it's there!