Trust
Understanding data freshness
A transport detail is useful only when you can tell what it means and when its source was updated. MAT3 uses distinct labels so an estimate or old observation is never presented as live.
Last reviewed 11 August 2026
Live
A reliable observation that is 2 minutes or less old. MAT3 also shows the source observation or update time. Live does not promise a future arrival time or continued service.
Stale
A reliable observation that is more than 2 minutes and no more than 10 minutes old. It is shown as old information, not as a current position or live state.
Estimated
A value produced by a model or calculation. It is not a direct live observation, even when it uses recent inputs.
Scheduled
A value supplied by a timetable. It describes the plan and is not evidence that a vehicle is currently operating or will arrive at that time.
Illustrative data
This local build is not connected to a live MAT3 transport service. Future fixture-backed route examples will carry a persistent Illustrative data notice. Real East African place names may help test the experience, but they do not confirm coverage in any country, route, fare, operator or live service.
The notice remains visible on fixture results and route details and links back to this explanation. It cannot be dismissed in a way that makes demonstration data look verified or live.
When information is missing
A route page needs only a supported route ID and name. Fare, alert, geometry, operator, vehicle, live position and arrival information appears only when a validated source provides it. Missing optional data should not hide the route identity that is available.