GTFSReal

GTFSReal is a real-time extension to the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS), which is a widely used standard for public transportation schedules and associated geographic information. GTFSReal provides a standardized way to publish real-time updates to transit schedules, including information such as vehicle locations, trip updates, and service alerts. This extension is designed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of transit information, making it easier for developers to create applications that provide real-time transit data to users.

The GTFSReal specification defines three types of real-time data feeds: vehicle positions, trip updates, and service alerts. Vehicle positions provide the current location of vehicles in real-time, allowing users to track their progress along a route. Trip updates provide information about changes to a trip, such as delays or changes in the sequence of stops. Service alerts provide information about disruptions to service, such as cancellations or detours.

GTFSReal is designed to be compatible with existing GTFS data, allowing transit agencies to publish real-time data alongside their static schedules. This compatibility makes it easier for developers to integrate real-time data into their applications, as they can use the same data formats and tools that they use for static GTFS data.

GTFSReal is maintained by the Mobility Database Catalog, a non-profit organization that promotes the use of open data standards for transportation. The specification is open and free to use, and is supported by a growing number of transit agencies and developers.