"Crowdsourcing" corrections to TTC information
The TTC should post them here so we can proof them first.
Actually, there may be a glimmer of opportunity amid the TTC's embarrassment.
For a while I’ve been noticing opportunities to crowdsource corrections of various TTC information media. What’s needed is a venue where the transit-using community can point out errors or omissions and transit staff can officially take note.
This could include stop announcements ... or the Ride Guide, ttc.ca, infopost schedules, the upcoming trip planner, etc. The 'crowdsourcing' approach is not radical -- modern mapmakers now solicit and use corrections sent in by the public.
http://crowdsourcing.typepad.com/cs/crowdsourcing_maps/
I foresee a load of suggestions/complaints when the trip planner and nextbus applications go online -- "soon". Media coverage of wonky routings from the trip planner can also be expected. Can we somehow offer constructive criticism? (I reckon a certain
libarian would suggest such an approach is hopeless…)
And would the TTC go along? No guarantees, but I am available to make the case. In fact, I would insist -- formally; in print; whichever shows the best chance of staff buy-in, and a commitment to heed the offered corrections into the future.
TTC would not have the resources/initiative to start this on its own. What’s needed is a venue ... like, perhaps … a discussion board.
Would the admins and members here be into hosting a prototype crowdsourcing board? How much (volunteer) time would be required?
If there is interest, I propose we start with one area -- perhaps the schedules on ttc.ca. I have made suggestions going back years on missing or confusing information on schedules. Some remain unfixed, but the process for doing so is fairly straightforward I imagine. And fixing the timetables may reduce errors in the trip planner.
Here’s just one schedule oddity I alerted them to ages ago:
http://www3.ttc.ca/Routes/59/Westbound.jsp
What are the U and X branches??
I’m imagining a set-up where one post contains an active list of pending corrections. When the TTC actually makes a correction, the entry could be archived. I'm not sure the standard discussion board format would work, especially because you'd want to keep the active list in the forefront so that uncorrected errors do not become forgotten in older posts. A sticky?
If this works, the format could morph into something larger... so be careful what you commit to. Consistent moderating and (constructive, vent-free) participation would be necessary. Also, the ability to use a pseudonym here might permit TTC employees to participate.
If there is an interest in setting up a test board/thread, I am prepared to request that TTC formally participate. Media clout might be good for something.
-Ed