# Mum Daughter Bus Checker

> A mobile first London bus checker that combines live arrivals, walking time, and a clear recommendation.

- Canonical page: [https://www.sergiopesch.com/projects/mum-daughter-bus-checker](https://www.sergiopesch.com/projects/mum-daughter-bus-checker)
- Content type: project
- Published: 2025-01-27
- Content updated: 2026-07-13
- Repository created: 2025-01-27
- Repository updated: 2026-05-17
- Author: [Sergio Peschiera](https://www.sergiopesch.com/about)
- Topics: Next.js, TfL API, Geolocation, Public transport
- Source code: [https://github.com/sergiopesch/mum-daughter-bus-checker](https://github.com/sergiopesch/mum-daughter-bus-checker)

## Content

![Mum Bus](/images/mumbus.png)

London buses. School runs. Peace.

***

## The Problem

Every morning, same debate: "Which bus should we catch?" Google Maps gives too much info. TfL app requires too many taps. We needed a single purpose tool.

## What I Built

A mobile friendly web app that shows:
* Your saved bus stops
* Real time arrivals
* Walk time to each stop
* Clear "catch this one" recommendation

**Stack:** Next.js, TfL API, Geolocation

## Key Learnings

**1. Single purpose beats feature rich**

Citymapper does everything. This does one thing. For the school run, one thing done well wins.

**2. TfL API is excellent**

Free, well documented, reliable. Real time bus data for all of London. More cities should have APIs this good.

**3. Mobile first isn't optional**

This app is used while walking, one hand holding a child. Touch targets need to be huge. Information needs to be glanceable.

**4. Personalization is key**

Saved stops, favorite routes, morning vs. afternoon mode. Generic bus apps serve everyone poorly.

***

## Agent Quick Start

```
# Mum Daughter Bus Checker

Real time London bus arrivals for school runs.

## Features
* Saved bus stops
* Live arrival times
* Walk time calculations
* Catch recommendation

## Stack
Next.js, TfL API, Geolocation

## API
TfL Unified API (free, well documented)

## Use Case
Mobile, one handed, in a hurry

```

## Provenance and freshness

This is a first party account by the project author. Page content was last updated on 2026-07-13. The linked repository last changed on 2026-05-17. Linked repositories and live services may change independently.

### Primary sources

- [Source code](https://github.com/sergiopesch/mum-daughter-bus-checker)