Frequently Asked Questions

I ask for new vehicle positions every 15 seconds or so. Note that vehicles don't typically report a new location this often, and it could be a few cycles before a more recent location comes in.
Yes! You can download Pantograph for iOS from the App Store onto any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 13 or later.

An Android version is not planned for the near future. I encourage you to save Pantograph to your home screen as a Progressive Web App.

Source data is provided directly by the agencies. On the whole, it's pretty on the mark, but keep in mind that they're people too and mistakes get made sometimes. There is also a slight delay, and issues like poor GPS reception could cause innaccuracies.
Those apps are great for when you're standing at a stop, waiting for the next bus on a certain route, and want an estimate of how long it'll be. This can be used for that too, but its strength lies in offering a bird's-eye view of the entire system. I also collect and analyze some geeky transit data that you won't find anywhere else.

They will tell you your bus is coming in two minutes, this shows that there are significant delays later in your route.

Routes are served by a specific base, so I infer it based on the last route a vehicle was assigned to. In some cases, a route is served by multiple bases, so I only know that it's at one or the other. This feature is only available for vehicles operated by agencies with multiple bases.
The best place for this is going to be on Twitter, @Pantograph_App. You can also email me.
Thanks for asking! I have a Patreon, and you can also buy me a coffee. The iPhone app also includes a Pro subscription, unlocking access to an advanced filtering system and custom app icons.

About the Developer

Pantograph is a project of Kona Farry, a Seattle-area transit enthusiast with almost no prior software development experience who just wanted to see all the buses on a map...and got a little carried away.

I recently graduated from the Community, Environment, and Planning program at the University of Washington. I work part-time as an event technician for the City of Marysville Parks, Culture, and Recreation department (during normal times) and have interned in their Community Development department.

I'm also looking for full time opportunities—if you have something to offer, please get in touch!

Data Attribution

By using this transit data you agree to all applicable licenses from the data providers (typically transit agencies, sometimes through third parties). Transit location data is used under these licenses and provided by the agencies or their third parties. I have no affiliation with any of these entities. Data are provided as-is with no guarantee of accuracy. You and you alone assume all risk of use. Please contact me with any licensing issues.

Puget Sound
Eastern Washington

Data provided by the Spokane Transit Authority in accordance with their terms of use.

Northwest Oregon
Greater Vancouver

Data provided by in accordance with their terms of use.

San Francisco Bay Area

Data provided by 511 in accordance with their terms of use.

Philadelphia

Data provided by SEPTA in accordance with their terms of use.

DC/Maryland/Virginia

Many details about specific coach information come from the Canadian Public Transit Discussion Board Wiki, a wonderful website you should check out.

Map imagery © Mapbox, data © OpenStreetMap