Important note about changes to the real-time XML feed

[Josh from MassDOT]

Developers,

Our partner NextBus has run into some bandwidth problems resulting
from inappropriate and excessive use of the XML feed. To protect the
feed and ensure it functions well for everyone, they have had to
quickly implement some limitations on the feed. As we always say,
this is a beta project and we are all learning as we move forward. I
have outline the limitations that are in place below. As far as we
can tell, very few if any applications are being impacted by the
limitations. NextBus wants to work with us and the MassDOT developers
community to make this a success. As a part of next Monday’s
Developer’s meeting they will be calling in to get feedback on
limitations. Please do your best to make that meeting to ensure your
applications are designed with these limitations and any other feed
issues in mind.

The specific limitations are as follows:
• Maximum characters per requester for all commands (IP address): 2MB/
20sec
• Maximum routes per "routeConfig" command: 15
• Maximum stops per route for the "predictions" command: 150
• Maximum predictions to output per stopfor the "predictions" command:
5
• Maximum timespan for "arrivalsDeparture" command: 5min
• Maximum timespan for "vehicleLocations" command: 5min

Sorry about the short notice on this change. Please feel free to
provide any feedback on these changes here on the group or at next
Monday’s meeting.

Lastly, please feel free to email me at Joshua...@state.ma.us if
your app is being impacted as a result so we can address any issues.

Best,
Josh