Smoother Rides
Updates to the Public Transport GTFS Timetable to Enhance Journey Planning
Over the last few months, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has made improvements make to the Public Transport GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) timetable dataset. These enhancements aim to make trip planning and data utilisation smoother and more efficient than ever before.
What is GTFS?
GTFS serves as the common language for public transportation schedules. It's a set of text files that describe routes, stops, trips, and schedules, allowing developers to create user-friendly trip planning apps, real-time information displays, and insightful data analysis tools.
Unveiling the Upgrades
So, what's changed? Here's a breakdown of the key enhancements:
1. Improved information about in-seat train connections - released in August 2024
Open data has been updated to include information about when passengers can stay in their seat during Metro train trips that transition through Flinders Street Station.
Third party Journey planning apps can use this information to show passengers the best connections for their trips and let passengers know when they can stay on their current train to ensure a smooth and connected journey.
2. Improved end of train trip information that matches platform displays, departure boards and screens in carriages - released in September 2024
Open data now provides both end of line and end of trip information on metro train trips.
Third-party journey planning apps can use this data improvements to show passengers better end of trip information that matches the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) app and displays on train, platforms and carriages.
3. Improved information about public transport operators - released in November 2024
Open data has been improved to include the names of the specific public transport operator in journey planning information to reflect the names of individual operators rather than generically showing ‘PTV’ on all trips.
Passengers will be able to see which operator runs the service such as Ventura, CDC, Dysons, Kinetic, V/Line, Metro Trains Melbourne, SkyBus and Yarra Trams. This update will appear in both the PTV app and third-party platforms like Google Maps and TripGo.
Benefits for All
These improvements benefit everyone involved in the public transportation ecosystem:
Passengers: Enjoy a more seamless and accessible travel experience with accurate information to plan their trip and catering for individual needs.
Developers: Benefit from improved data quality integration capabilities, allowing them to create more powerful and user-friendly applications.
DTP: Can provide a richer data set that paints a more accurate picture of our services.
The Road Ahead
Stay tuned for more updates on GTFS data that will provide a smoother, more informed, and accessible public transport transit journeys for passengers.