I'm a fan of Clever Commute and "crowdsourced" services in general. DeCamp refuses to properly update its customers on the status/whereabouts of the buses on its routes, so an enterprising person sets up a platform that allows the people on the ground to do the updating. Everybody wins -- even DeCamp, which gets to continue shirking its responsibilities with no consequences to speak of.
The problem with crowdsourcing is it relies on crowds, which are frequently populated by idiots.
This morning there was an accident in the Lincoln Tunnel, causing major delays in the bus lane. For 90 minutes or more, Clever Commuters reported every stop, start, and idle in between. The Kennedy assassination was documented in less detail.
The following is merely an excerpt of the riveting broadcast:
8:47 AM: Bus lane just came to dead stop.
8:50 AM: Driver said there is an accident in outbound tunnel.
8:51 AM: Buses are moving!
8:51 AM: 66-7:35 from So. Pk still hasn't made it out of tunnel.
9:02 AM: Bus lane still frozen solid.
9:09 AM: @9AM, bus lane still stopped dead.
9:20 AM: Drivers shld avoid bus lane.
9:22 AM: 9:22 bus lane moving at last.
9:23 AM: 9:23 and bus lane stopped again. Sorry!
[Ed. note: 9:22 and 9:23, are you the same person? If so, and if you are reading this: Please contact me and I will recommend a few good books, some lively periodicals, and popular music options for you to consider. There are many enjoyable ways to pass the time on the bus other than OCD-grade emailing.]
