Is the bus running late again? Dawid Kośmider already knows and is quick to alert passengers. As the founder and administrator of the Facebook group "Komunikacja miejska Transport GZM (Metropolia GZM) - informacje i opóźnienia" (Public Transport GZM Metropolis - Information and Delays), he keeps a close watch on public transport in the GZM Metropolis, regularly publishing data on bus and tram delays, often faster than official sources.

Since September, Dawid has intensified his monitoring of delays caused by numerous roadworks and renovations in Katowice and surrounding cities. Overpasses, lane closures, and construction on major routes have left buses stuck in traffic, spurring Kośmider into action. In an interview with Slazag.pl, he said: "I enjoy informing passengers about disruptions. Public transport is my passion."

Since 2018, Kośmider has been committed to this role, ensuring passengers always have access to up-to-date information on delays.

Dawid Kośmider, an accountant by profession, carries out his work without any financial compensation. His efforts are driven solely by a desire to help passengers. Every day, he analyses data from various sources, including Google Maps and specialised systems for tracking public transport vehicles. His updates in the Facebook group "Public Transport GZM Metropolis" are posted regularly in the morning and afternoon, helping residents stay informed about the latest traffic conditions.

"Depending on whether I have time in the morning, I either prepare both the morning and afternoon updates or just the afternoon one," Kośmider explains. Each post takes him about 30 minutes to prepare, reflecting his dedication and passion for the task.

Since September, traffic jams have heavily impacted Katowice and the surrounding areas due to the closure of major routes, such as the S86 and the flyover on Klodnicka Street. In response, Kośmider has adapted his method of sharing information. Rather than posting separate updates for each transport line, he now provides aggregated reports that cover delays across multiple cities and lines.

"I now post a single report on transport delays in specific areas, and if time allows, I also detail the delays on individual lines," he explains.

Dawid Kośmider has coined the term "time loss" to describe the difference between actual bus arrival times and those listed in the timetable. "It's a concept I came up with myself," he explains. For Kośmider, both time loss and time gain are critical factors contributing to overall delays in public transport services.

Criticism of ZTM and proposals for change

Despite his dedication, Kośmider has expressed frustration with the lack of support from the Metropolitan Transport Authority (ZTM). He points out that, since 2022, ZTM has stopped providing up-to-date information on traffic disruptions. He also believes there is a need for more flexible timetables that account for variations between school days and non-school days.

While Kośmider's work is not financially rewarding, it holds great value for the residents of the GZM Metropolis. His updates help people better plan their daily commutes, a vital service amid ongoing roadworks and traffic congestion.

Source: slazag.pl