The Chapala Plus direct line does have a schedule that is reasonably respected. The local lines theoretically run every half hour but they are subject to wide variation, especially when traffic jams up. The buses ARE equipped with GPS trackers that already report to the bus company security system, they know exactly where any bus is at any given time. But that info is currently closed. There is a spec, called GTFS, that can take that data and open it up to tracking apps one can put on a cell phone. Those apps can show you schedules, from the real time data show you when the next bus will arrive, even show you the current position of the buses. Its up the bus company and the community to make this happen. There is an expense in doing so, but its not that onerous. There are also security considerations and we have to respect those. We don't know what the bus company is willing or not willing to share, but if we can at least get next arrivals and departures in real time, would be a great improvement.
The Ribera de Chapala has this incredible geometry that makes it a linear city. If you can get anywhere along the highway, about anywhere you want to go is only about 4 blocks either side. Most people don't like the uncertainty of the wait. They also don't like other things, like crowds and dirt. But imagine for a minute if you're away from Ajijic centro and want to go into town, or over to Wal-mart or San Juan. Its probably a short walk down to your closest stop. If the tracker app tells you when the next bus will be there, you can enjoy your coffee or shop a bit longer, and time your walk to the stop. Suddenly a lot of trips you might have made by car you're willing to hop on a bus. More rides on the bus means more revenue for the bus company, maybe more frequent buses, and higher quality service. And fewer cars going up and down the highway. We have a lot of visitors to the area without cars. Their quality of stay would improve.
So thats the idea. We want to do what we can to encourage the bus company to do this. Maybe at first with some financial help from different sources so its not all on them. But once its implemented, I'm sure it'll be a good deal for them too.
Please help by filling out the survey and giving us your best thoughts. We need energetic feedback from the community to make this happen.
https://forms.gle/6n4EXwDwn66R4Cgx8
@Honeybee As you pointed out, just having good printed info on the schedules will also be helpful. That is low lying fruit and we are working on a doc. Thanks for your feedback.