Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Fare_rules.txt
Rules for applying the fares specified in
fare_attributes.txt. This can include things like peak and off-peak rules,
concessions for students, seniors, and so forth.
Feed_info.txt
Additional information about this GTFS feed, such as
version number and dates of applicability.
Frequencies.txt
Timing information for services that don't run to a
regular frequency.
Shapes.txt
Details to help render graphics of routes, such as how to
represent differences in outbound and return paths, points of return,
etc.
Transfers.txt
Details of any rules regarding transferring from one
service to another.
Details of the individual file fields, formatting requirements, and other rules can be found
on any of the many GTFS-related sites, such as
Many transport agencies around the world make use of a central clearing house for
repository of GTFS feeds, but also includes basic data on the specification, and details
on how to contribute new GTFS data sets.
If this all sounds fantastic—nigh on utopian—there is one small wrinkle that always
affects the ideal of transport schedules and routes, and the reality for the commuter or
tourist. What happens when a service doesn't run on time, or at all? Enter the GTFS-
Realtime standard.
Dealing with Timetable Realities
GTFS-Realtime time is a relatively new addition to the core of GTFS, released by a
group of interested parties in August 2011. It aims to solve the eternal problem of "when
theory meets practice,” in the form of providing real-time updates to transport service
schedules. It provides the following kinds of updates in real time to anyone subscribing
to the data.
Trip Updates:
Any changed routing, timing or cancellations for a
scheduled service
Service Alerts:
Changes at the service level, such as stops that have
moved, are closed, or even problems with the entire network like
power failures or switching problems.
Vehicle Positions:
The location of vehicles in the transport system,
and where available, the information on local congestion provided by
the vehicles themselves or related traffic infrastructure.
