GTFSNeTEx

GTFSNeTEx is the process and set of mappings used to convert General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) data into the Network Timetable Exchange (NeTEx) format. It serves to enable interoperability between GTFS-based publications and European public transport information systems that rely on NeTEx and related Transmodel semantics.

GTFS is a simple, tabular feed describing stops, trips, routes, calendars, and shapes, while NeTEx is an XML-based schema for network timetables, operator data, and journey planning. GTFSNeTEx defines how GTFS concepts map to NeTEx constructs such as StopPlace and Quay, Network, TransportMode, Timetables, ServiceJourneys, and JourneyPatterns. The goal is to preserve essential timetable semantics—stop sequences, service days, and trip times—within a richer network model suitable for network-level exchange.

Typical use cases include enabling European journey planners and data hubs to ingest GTFS data into NeTEx-based infrastructures, supporting multilingual and multi-network integration, and harmonizing open data across regions. Organizations use GTFSNeTEx approaches to align disparate data sources with NeTEx/Transmodel workflows for consistent publishing and cross-system interoperability.

Challenges and considerations involve differences in data modeling: GTFS lacks certain network topology and transfer-rule detail present in NeTEx, which may require design decisions during mapping. Time definitions, time zones, frequency information, and calendar exceptions can require careful handling to maintain fidelity. Because there is no single universal standard for GTFSNeTEx mappings, tools and libraries implementing the conversions vary in scope and quality, and ongoing maintenance is often needed to reflect updates in either source format.

See also: GTFS, NeTEx, Transmodel, public transport data exchange.