How Often Should I Update My GTFS Feed?

Q: How often should I update my GTFS feed?

Update your GTFS feed whenever schedules change (new routes, seasonal changes, service adjustments). At minimum, update monthly to extend calendar dates and keep data fresh. Google automatically re-fetches feeds, or you can trigger updates manually.

Update your feed whenever your schedules change, and at least once a month to keep the dates fresh and avoid expiring.

When to Update

Required Updates

You definitely need to publish a new version when:

• Schedules change: New times or seasonal adjustments.

• Routes change: New lines added or old ones removed.

• Stops change: Moving a bus stop even a few meters matters.

• Calendars expire: You reach the "end_date" in your files.

Recommended Updates

Even without major changes, update regularly:

• Monthly: Extend calendar dates, incorporate minor fixes

• After issues reported: When riders report incorrect information

• Quality improvements: Adding shapes, fixing coordinates

The most common reason a feed "breaks" is an expired calendar. Your calendar.txt has an end_date – if that date passes, your buses will simply disappear from apps like Google Maps.

Best practice: Keep your calendar dates extending at least 3-6 months into the future. It gives you a comfortable buffer.

How Updates Work

1. You publish: Replace the ZIP file at your URL with the new version.

2. Google fetches: Google re-downloads your feed automatically (usually once a day).

3. Apps refresh: The new data usually shows up for riders within 24–48 hours.

Update Frequency by Agency Type

Large metro systems: Often weekly or even daily, due to frequent service changes.

Medium agencies: Monthly updates are typical, with additional updates for schedule changes.

Small operators: Monthly or quarterly may be sufficient if schedules are stable.

Tips for Smooth Updates

Validate every time. Never publish a new version without validating it first. A "stale" feed is bad, but a "broken" feed is much worse.

Keep your URL the same. Don't change the web address of your ZIP file. Google expects it to stay in one place.

Watch the Dashboard. Check your Google Transit Partner Dashboard after an update to catch any new warnings.

What Happens If You Don't Update?

• Routes may disappear when calendar dates expire

• Riders see incorrect schedules

• Google may flag your feed as stale

• User complaints increase