The latest version (4.0.0) of the BMLT Root Server now supports TSML compatible JSON output. This new feature can be accessed at client_interface/tsml/?switcher=GetSearchResults and works with any filter parameter that GetSearchResults supports.
What This Means
This integration allows you to use either the Meeting List Lite plugin or TSML UI (JavaScript) with BMLT, giving you additional options for displaying meetings on your website. You can see an example of this implementation at https://wordpress.aws.bmlt.app/meetings/
How to Implement
With WordPress
Use the new Meeting List Lite plugin. This display-only plugin is good for smaller service bodies.
To use Meeting List Lite:
- Install the Meeting List Lite plugin from the WordPress plugin directory
- Important: Ensure your WordPress timezone is set to a valid IANA timezone (e.g., “America/New_York”) in Settings → General. See the PHP timezone list for valid values.
- Go to Settings → Meeting List Lite and enter your BMLT TSML endpoint URL (e.g.,
https://latest.aws.bmlt.app/main_server/client_interface/tsml/?switcher=GetSearchResults&services=1006) - Add the
[tsml_ui]shortcode to any page or post where you want meetings displayed
With JavaScript (Google Sites, Squarespace, etc.)
To use without WordPress, follow the directions for TSML UI and refer to the codepen example. You’ll need to override some type descriptions that use AA-specific language, as demonstrated in the codepen.
Benefits
Options are nice! TSML UI is maintained by Code for Recovery, which has done excellent work with their Plugin/UI. Meeting List Lite provides a streamlined way to display your BMLT meetings using the TSML UI interface.
Important Caveats
- Only NAWS code formats are supported. All other formats that don’t map to NAWS world ID codes will be dropped from the alternative JSON output.
- Some fields won’t directly map to TSML fields (train, bus).