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BART Real-Time Transit

by io.github.srivastsh
OverviewDiscussionsAdmin

BART Real-Time Departures

bart_departures
Read-only

Get real-time departures from a BART station.

Args:

  • station: 4-letter abbreviation (e.g. EMBR, 24TH)

  • direction: Optional 'n' or 's'

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "station": "<station>"
    },
    "name": "bart_departures"
  }
}

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
stationYesStation code (e.g. EMBR, 24TH)
directionNoDirection filter

Output Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
departuresYes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changed
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
+  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
+  "additionalProperties": false,
+  "properties": {
+    "departures": {
+      "items": {
+        "additionalProperties": false,
+        "properties": {
+          "bikeFlag": {
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "color": {
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "destination": {
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "direction": {
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "displayMinutes": {
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "hexColor": {
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "length": {
+            "type": [
+              "number",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "minutes": {
+            "type": [
+              "number",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "platform": {
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "station": {
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "stationCode": {
+            "type": "string"
+          }
+        },
+        "required": [
+          "station",
+          "stationCode",
+          "destination",
+          "minutes",
+          "displayMinutes",
+          "direction",
+          "platform",
+          "length",
+          "color",
+          "hexColor",
+          "bikeFlag"
+        ],
+        "type": "object"
+      },
+      "type": "array"
+    }
+  },
+  "required": [
+    "departures"
+  ],
+  "type": "object"
+}
  2. First observed

TDQS

A3.5/5.0
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds the station abbreviation format and optional direction, but does not disclose additional behaviors like rate limits, data source, or output details. No contradiction with annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is exceptionally concise, with a clear purpose statement followed by a compact arg list. It is front-loaded and free of unnecessary prose. The arg list is slightly redundant with the schema, but this does not detract from overall clarity.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple read-only tool with good annotations and output schema, the description is largely sufficient. It covers the core purpose and essential parameter syntax. However, it lacks context on direction semantics (e.g., which directions correspond to n/s) and when to prefer this over sibling tools, leaving minor gaps.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% (both parameters have descriptions). The description's arg list mostly repeats schema information, adding '4-letter abbreviation' and 'Optional,' which are already implied by schema constraints (minLength, required, enum). Minimal added value beyond schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's function with a specific verb and resource: 'Get real-time departures from a BART station.' This distinguishes it from sibling tools like bart_advisories, bart_fare, and bart_trip, which serve different purposes.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not mention exclusions, prerequisites, or appropriate scenarios, beyond implying the need for a station abbreviation.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

All BART Real-Time Transit toolsInspect
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