get_route_trip_evidence

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint, covering the safety profile. The description adds one behavioral detail: that quarantined rows and reasons are included in the output. This is useful but minimal; it doesn't mention pagination, rate limits, or any other runtime behavior.

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

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

The description is a single, efficient sentence that front-loads the core action and includes relevant detail about quarantined rows. It is not verbose, but could be improved by adding parameter hints without losing conciseness.

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

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

Given the presence of an output schema, return format is handled, but the description leaves the optional late_after_minutes parameter unexplained and fails to provide context on what 'source trip' or 'quarantined' means. For a two-parameter tool with zero schema coverage, this is a significant gap.

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

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

Schema description coverage is 0% – the JSON schema provides no explanations for route_id or late_after_minutes. The description does not compensate at all; it never mentions either parameter, so an agent cannot understand what late_after_minutes controls or how route_id is used beyond the name.

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

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

The description states a clear verb ('Return') and resource ('every source trip for a route') and adds specificity with 'including quarantined rows and reasons.' It does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools, but the function is distinct enough that an agent can infer its purpose.

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

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

The description gives no guidance on when to use this tool versus siblings like rank_routes_by_lateness or get_route_performance. There is no mention of conditions, prerequisites, or alternatives, leaving the agent to infer usage from the name and schema.

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