For users of TransitTimes+, this meant they were automatically notified using the service alert push notification system on their iPhone, iPad or Android device.

Any TransitTimes+ user with notifications enabled and a favorite trip or live tracker for the Orange Line received this notification (similarly, there were alerts for users of other routes also).

Internally, we have a server that monitors all transit agencies for service updates. By checking these servers every 10 minutes, the system knows very quickly when there’s an update available.

Next we match each alert to routes for the respective agency. In this instance we were able to match “Orange Line” text. This alert was then added to the list of active notifications for Boston, and the alert was added to the push notification queue.

Every 10-15 minutes we process the list of pending notifications to be sent out. In this example, the system searches our database (containing only anonymous user data such as route or stop codes) for users of the orange line.

The user then gets notified and they can view more details about the alert within TransitTimes+. Additionally, when using the app, a service alert overlay is also shown to let users know their service may be affected.

Once the suspect was apprehended, the MBTA resumed limited service. The TransitTimes+ alerts system detected this update and notified users accordingly.

The NSW Minister for Transport, Gladys Berejiklian, today announced that real-time Sydney train information is available exclusively in a number of mobile phone applications.

One of those apps is TransitTimes+! The new 7.0 update for TransitTimes+ include real-time train and bus positions for Sydney, as well as up-to-date service alert information for the CityRail and Sydney Buses network.

As the only Adelaide-based developer involved in the process, I’ve travelled to Sydney a number of times recently to first pitch at their “App Hot House”, then to work with the team at RailCorp on implementing the real-time solution.

RailCorp actively engaged the 6 development teams to improve the real-time data offered, including GPS positions of trains and notifications when there’s delayed services or elevator outages.

For any additional information or to request an interview, please contact Quentin Zervaas (qzervaas@transittimesapp.com)

I shared some of my experiences in managing large amounts of real-time data, service alert data, and static GTFS data.

Thanks to Philip Lock for the invite.

It’s a really good gathering each month and if you’re into any kind of mobile app development I’d recommend you get there!

You can download TransitTimes+ from http://transittim.es/get

This means when you request public transit directions from the Maps app on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, you can use TransitTimes+ to find these directions!

Highlights of this release include:

• Added the ability to reverse a directions search
• Added the ability to share trips returned from directions search on Facebook
• When viewing a live tracker, the travel path of the vehicle being tracked is now displayed
• When managing timetables, user is now prompted with nearest available timetable
• Fixed display of route codes in saved trip summary
• Minor improvements to trip planner instructions
• Miscellaneous stability improvements

You can download it now for iOS or Android from http://transittim.es.

Rail Safety Week (RSW) is an Australasian rail industry initiative that sees operators across Australia and New Zealand come together to promote rail safety messages for one week every year. Running from 13-19 August this year, RSW is now in its seventh year and will once again target local communities and the public, encouraging safety around railway lines.

Remember to be careful around trains! For more information, visit http://www.railsafetyweek.com/

c|net: Order these six iPad travel apps to go

You can download TransitTimes+ from http://transittim.es/get

The world’s biggest development banks have made a fundamental investment shift from roads to public transport, under a $175bn (£111bn) initiative to promote buses, trains and cycle lanes that was unveiled on Wednesday at the Rio+20 Earth summit.

Read more at The Guardian