New Trains Layer

Yesterday, bristolstreets got a new rail layer.  As with buses, we've moved from long term schedule data to live departure information.  But as ever, bristrolstreets is trying to allow people to comprehend the rail network in the area as much as provide immediate travel information.

It is common to find people who know where some of the suburban stations are located but have no idea where these trains actually go.  The new layer shows all the stations on the map and the lines that connect them.  Also the sidebar contains a number of theoretical "routes" that list the stops along journeys to various destinations.  This will hopefully allow someone who wants to go to somewhere like Bath to understand which stations would be best to start their journey from.

The rail layer also tries to raise awareness of the untapped potential of the rail network, both in terms of the current resource that people may not realise is quite close to them, but also in terms of the disused stations that could provide significantly more rail coverage in the Bristol area.

The site shows these disused or proposed stations with a different coloured marker.  There is also an option to turn on "Walking Distances" which shows 12 and 20 minute walk time radii from each station which illustrates which areas are within easy walking distance of a station.

There is a trains information page on this site which explains a bit more about the rail network, how much faster they are than buses and other useful information.

Anyone who likes the idea of using and improving the rail network should support FOSBR (Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways) who have campaigned this for so many years.  Their efforts have already lead to more services running on the Severn Beach line and help shape policy and planning at the council and the West of England partnership.

Overdue Update

Bristolstreets went through a lot of changes at the beginning of April. There is still a lot to come but this is not happening as quickly as planned.

Interface Changes

One of the first things people will notice is the change to the interface.  We are always striving to make things as simple as possible.  Our motto is "less IS more".  The menu bar across the top is gone and we have simplified and combined controls.

The new map control in the top right corner (we call it the cartouche) lets you control the zooming on the map in lots of different ways and change the type of map tiles (terrain which is the default map style, road map and satellite).

The sidebar on the left has also changed.  Although everyone likes the icons on the site, there were so many in the grid it was actually hard to spot what you wanted.  With the new groupings and larger text it is simpler and easier to choose which layers and pages you want to see.

Lost Property

Regular visitors will have noticed that we have removed the property layer on the map.  This is a permanent change.  The idea with the propety layer was that it would be a way to get more visitors and that when people were moving, that transport would be something they took into account when choosing a property.

Although this layer initially got more visitors than the bus layer, times changed and the transport layers became more popular while the property market has not been doing so well.  Although that market is picking up the decision was made that the benefit to the site did not warrant the effort it takes to keep the information up to date.  So sadly it was time to move on.

New Layer

With the new interface came a new layer for Bristol City Council's Central Area Action Plan survey.  You can read more about this on the Ask Bristol site.   Basically the council needs to have a long term plan for how the city centre should develop so that as things get built or opportunities arise, these things will bring the greatest benefit to the people who work and live in the city.

By adding your comments to the map you can help steer this plan and make sure the plan reflects the views and interests of real people in the city.

Unfinished Business

Bristolstreets has been changing and evolving over nearly four years now and there is more to come.  Getting the changes you already see took a lot of effort and there has not been much time since mid April to add things from a long wish list that we have.  But be assured more is on its way.

Thanks for your patience and patronage.