GTFS-RT: essential for the attractiveness of public transport

GTFS-RT is more than just an option!

GTFS-RT flow: what is it for?

The GTFS-RT (GTFS Realtime) stream empowers transportation operators to deliver real-time information to all passengers. This valuable data encompasses various details such as accurate vehicle arrival times, service disruptions, or route modifications.

By providing real-time information, the user experience for passengers is significantly improved. They no longer have to endure lengthy waits uncertain of whether the bus or coach will arrive as scheduled or if they will miss their intended vehicle. The availability of real-time updates allows passengers to make informed decisions, saving them time and minimizing potential inconveniences.

What is the format of the GTFS-RT flow?

The GTFS-RT flow describes the actual state of a transportation operation at time T, in comparison with theoretical forecast data from a GTFS file. It is thanks to this GTFS file that the comparison is possible.

The GTFS-RT format enables three types of updates (also known as services) to be provided in constantly updated flows.

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<div class="div-block-1235"><h4 class="heading-34">The three services that make up the GTFS-RT flow</h4></div>
<p class="paragraph-68"><span class="bold_margin_bottom">Route updates</span></p>
<p class="paragraph-73">These updates include delays, cancellations and route modifications.</p>
<p class="paragraph-73"><em>Example: The bus is 5 minutes late</em></p>
<p class="paragraph-68"><span class="bold_margin_bottom">Vehicle position</span></p>
<p class="paragraph-73">This service includes information on vehicles, such as their location and level of traffic congestion.</p>
<p class="paragraph-73"><em>Example: The bus is at position X at time Y.</em></p>
<p class="paragraph-68"><span class="bold_margin_bottom">Service alerts</span></p>
<p class="paragraph-73">Service alerts include information on the movement of stops, unforeseen events affecting a stop, a route or the entire transportation network.</p>
<p class="paragraph-73"><em>Example: Station X is closed due to construction work.</em></p>
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Who uses the GTFS-RT feed?

The GTFS-RT feed is used by numerous real-time information tools on traffic conditions and public transportation, such as Google Maps

It can also be found in :

Multimodal Information Systems (MIS), which contribute to the attractiveness of public transport while informing users of the means of public transportation available to them.
Certain business solution publishers like Lumiplan; they will integrate this type of format to produce passenger information and feed other passenger information systems, whether on-board or on the ground.
Internal transport operators, with a view to circulating information while feeding their various business tools.

Would you like to find out more about GTFS-RT?

How to set up this flow?

To generate the GTFS-RT flow, passenger transportation operators must equip their vehicles with a contemporary on-board information and operating assistance system known as CAD/AVL (or SAEIV in French). CAD/AVL is the sole system capable of generating real-time information for this purpose.

Pysae, as a CAD/AVL solution provider, offers a range of connectors that allow the display of real-time data from your network, including GTFS-RT. Pysae stands out among CAD/AVL suppliers by offering a comprehensive GTFS-RT connector that adheres to the standard regulations (LOM law) and is available as a standardized solution. With Pysae, operators can harness the power of GTFS-RT to provide accurate and up-to-date information to their passengers, enhancing their overall travel experience.`

Here are the advantages of Pysae CAD/AVL:

The flow includes 3 services: route updates, vehicle positions and service alerts
Network elements are preserved when generating the flow. Input information (stop or line identifiers) is not transformed.
A true real-time feed accessible every five seconds, with no access restrictions and no caching system.

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<p class="paragraph-73">Pysae, a leading provider of SaaS solutions for managing operations in the public transport sector, offers continuous support to its customers. We provide them with dependable and precise data on their operations, enhanced GPS navigation for bus drivers, and real-time information to enhance passenger experience.</p>
<a href="https://web.pysae.com/en/schedule-a-demo?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Blog" class="button_success_p_plain w-button" style="margin-top: 15px">Book a demo</a>
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