🕒 Short Term Changes (STC)

🚍 What is an STC?

A Short Term Change (STC) is our way of updating the app with temporary modifications to transit data (GTFS). Whether it’s a road closure for a marathon or a temporary station shutdown, STCs ensure that users receive accurate trip suggestions and aren't directed to canceled services. 🚧🏃‍♂️

Short-Term Changes (STC) serve as a vital tool for ensuring that commuters have the most accurate, real-time information during service disruptions. Whether you are dealing with a marathon blocking a bus route or maintenance on a rail line, the goal is to bridge the gap between static schedules and the reality on the ground. 🌉🛤️

When we create an STC, there are two vital details required:

1. Clear start & end date. 📅
2. Clear description of the change. 📝

There are three types of STCs and you will choose one of them depending on which type of disruption you are handling:

1. Cancel Trips: Used when service is completely unavailable for the entire line. ❌
2. Bypass: The vehicle skips specific stops but continues the rest of its route. 🚌💨  Pro tip:When using Bypass, do not filter by headsign. 💡
3. Fast STCs: To dive into the details, please click HERE

Phase 1: Preparation & "The Golden Rules" ⚖️

Before you start clicking, remember these mandatory requirements to avoid errors:

• One at a Time: Every STC must be for one single agency and one transit type (e.g., only Bus or only Train). 🚍|🚋
• Correct Environment: You must be in the specific data source of the agency you are working on. 🌐
• Check for Conflicts: Do not "Enqueue" an STC if there is a loading process already running in the background. ⏳
• Finality: Once saved, an STC cannot be edited. Double-check everything! 🧐✅

Phase 2: Step-by-Step Creation 🛠️

Step 1: Accessing the Tool 🖱️

Access the Service Alerts section and click on the Short Term Changes tab. Click the + Add button to begin. ➕

Step 2: Setting the Timeline ⏰

You must define how long this change will last:

• Single Period: Use for one-time events. After clicking create, click add and enter the start/end dates and specific hours. 📅⏱️

• Multiple Periods: Use for recurrent changes (e.g., every weekend). Enter the dates and hours, then select the specific days of the week. You can click ‘All’ for the entire week. 🗓️🔄

Step 3: Filtering the Data 🔍

1. Enter the relevant dates and hours. 🕒

2. Select your line (or lines). 🚌

3. Select the stops that will be closed. 🛑

4. Click 'Apply Filters'. You will see the agency name, transit type, line, and headsigns. ✅

5. Click on the correct headsign (direction), and the trip details will appear on the map. 🗺️

6. Select the STC type: Cancel trips or Bypass. 🔘

Step 4: Finalizing the Description ✍️

Write a clear, short description of the change. This helps team members find the STC later and provides context. Click the Save button. 💾

Once the STC is created, the user must contact the Moovit team to enqueue the STC to the app.

📥 Step 5: Enqueuing (Only Moovit Team) 🚀

Once saved, the STC will enter Pending status. ⏳ To find your newly created entry, navigate to the Short Term Change tab and filter by the "Pending" status. 🔍

Select the STC and enqueue it in order to make it active in the app. 

⚠️ STC Limitations: When NOT to Use It

Do not create an STC in the following scenarios:

• Irrelevant Content: Issues like broken elevators or fare updates. 💸🛗
• Not Enough Time: If it's urgent, please contact the Moovit team 🕒🌅
• Detour (Add Stops): The system cannot add new stops to a trip. ➕🛑❌
• Timetable/Service Change: Permanent new schedules or route changes where no stops are canceled. 📅🔄
• Simple Delays: Delays do not require an STC. ⏳
• Proximity: If the replacement stop is within 200 meters. 📏
• Already Updated: If the agency's live feed already shows the change. 📲
• Missing Dates: If there is no clear end date for the disruption. 📅❓

💡 FAQs and Vital Reminders

🌍 Location & Access

• Do I need to be in the specific data source? Yes. You must be in the correct agency's data source to create or find your STC. 🏢

✍️ Editing & Mistakes

• Can I fix an error? Only if the STC is not yet active. Once active, it's locked. You must ask an Operations Manager (OM) to cancel it. 🔒🚫
• Can I extend an STC? Yes. Use the 'Use as a template' feature. 📋🔄

🛠️ Troubleshooting "Red Population" Errors

If the population turns red when clicking 'Apply Filters', check:

1. Headsigns: Ensure you haven't selected multiple headsigns across different lines. 🔢
2. Transit Types: For everything except Bypass, ensure only one transit type is included (e.g., just Bus). 🚌🚫🚋