Messaging Trip Owners
Communicate with trip owners and other operators through trip-scoped and network conversations.
MXBS provides two types of messaging conversations available to Bus Operators.
Conversation Types
Trip Owner ↔ Bus Operator
These conversations are scoped to a specific trip where you have submitted a bid. Either party can initiate:
- Trip owner initiates — they message you from the trip detail page.
- You initiate — click Message Trip Owner on the trip detail page for any trip where you have an active bid.
Use these conversations for:
- Clarifying trip requirements or route details
- Confirming pickup logistics and timing
- Asking about access controls, venue restrictions, or special instructions
Conversations Are Trip-Scoped
Each TO↔BO conversation is tied to a single trip. You cannot use the same thread to discuss a different trip — a new conversation must be started from that trip's detail page.
Bus Operator ↔ Bus Operator
These conversations are available through the Operator Network and are not tied to a specific trip owner trip.
Use these conversations for:
- Coordinating on shared BO trips
- Discussing capacity and subcontracting arrangements
- Partnership inquiries and introductions
Using the Messaging Panel
The messaging panel is accessible from the Messages icon in the navigation bar.
- The conversation sidebar lists all your threads with contact name, last message preview, timestamp, and an unread count badge.
- Click any conversation to open the full message thread.
- Type in the compose box and press Enter or click Send to send a message.
- Quote-reply: hover over any message to reply to it inline with a quoted reference.
- Typing indicator: a live indicator shows when the other party is composing a message.
Message Status Indicators
| Indicator | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Single check | SENT | Message delivered to MXBS servers |
| Double check | DELIVERED | Message delivered to the recipient's device |
| Blue double check | READ | The recipient has opened and read the message |
System Messages
Automatic system messages appear in conversation threads when the trip's status changes:
- "Bidding window closed" — the bid submission period has ended; your bid is under review.
- "Contract signed" — both parties have completed contract signing.
- "Trip cancelled" — the trip owner has cancelled the trip.
Closed Conversations
After a trip is completed or cancelled, the conversation closes and becomes read-only. All message history is preserved for your records and can still be accessed from the Messages panel.