Skip to main content
Version: 4.1

Traffic Plugin

Display commute times and live traffic conditions using the Google Routes API.

Traffic display on split-flap board

Overview​

The Traffic plugin shows real-time driving times between configured origin and destination pairs. It supports up to 4 routes and multiple travel modes.

Setup​

1. Enable the Google Routes API​

  1. Go to Google Cloud Console
  2. Create a new project or select an existing one
  3. Navigate to APIs & Services → Library
  4. Search for Routes API (not Directions API)
  5. Click Enable

2. Set Up Billing​

The Routes API requires billing to be enabled:

  1. Go to Billing in Google Cloud Console
  2. Link a billing account to your project
  3. Google provides a $200/month free credit. Typical FiestaBoard usage costs well under this

3. Create an API Key​

  1. Go to APIs & Services → Credentials
  2. Click Create Credentials → API Key
  3. (Recommended) Restrict the key to only the Routes API

4. Configure FiestaBoard​

  1. Open http://localhost:4420
  2. Go to the Integrations page
  3. Toggle the Traffic plugin on
  4. Enter your Google Routes API key
  5. Click Save Changes

5. Configure Routes​

In the Web UI Integrations page, configure your routes:

  • Route Name - A label for the route (e.g., "To Work")
  • Origin - Starting address
  • Destination - Ending address
  • Travel Mode - Drive, Bicycle, Transit, or Walk

Travel Modes​

ModeDescription
DRIVEDriving with live traffic conditions
BICYCLECycling route
TRANSITPublic transit
WALKWalking route

Address Formats​

You can use either format for origins and destinations:

FormatExample
Full address123 Main St, Anytown, ST 12345
Coordinates37.7749,-122.4194
tip

Using coordinates is faster and avoids geocoding errors. You can find coordinates by right-clicking on Google Maps.

Available Variables​

VariableDescriptionExample
{traffic.formatted}Formatted commute displayTO WORK 25 MIN

Costs​

ItemPrice
Monthly free credit$200
Per route request~$0.005
Typical monthly costWell under free credit

With 4 routes updating every 5 minutes, you'd make about 35,000 requests/month, well within the free credit.

Troubleshooting​

403 Forbidden​

  • The Routes API is not enabled - go to Google Cloud Console and enable it
  • Billing is not set up - link a billing account

400 Bad Request​

  • Check that your addresses are valid and complete
  • Try using coordinates instead of addresses

Rate Limiting​

If you see rate limit errors:

  • Increase the refresh interval
  • Use coordinates instead of addresses (avoids geocoding calls)

Next Steps​