What is GTFS Used For?

Q: What is GTFS used for?

GTFS is used to share public transit information with navigation apps, trip planners, and data analysis tools. It enables features like transit directions in Google Maps, real-time bus tracking apps, and transportation research.

When you open Google Maps and check for bus directions, you're seeing GTFS in action. But trip planning is just the beginning – there are plenty of other cool ways this data gets used.

Primary Uses of GTFS

1. Trip Planning Apps

The most visible use of GTFS is powering transit directions in consumer apps. When you search "how to get to the airport by bus," apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, Citymapper, Transit, and Moovit use GTFS data to show you which routes to take, where to board, when to transfer, and what time you'll arrive.

2. Real-Time Arrival Info

When combined with live GPS data (GTFS-Realtime), static schedules help apps show you those "Arriving in 4 mins" predictions. The app compares the planned schedule with the bus's actual position to keep you updated.

3. Transit Agency Websites

Many agencies use their own GTFS data to power schedule lookups and trip planners on their websites. Rather than maintaining separate databases, they publish GTFS and use tools that consume it.

4. Accessibility Tools

GTFS can include details on wheelchair accessibility for both stops and vehicles. This helps riders with limited mobility plan trips that they know will be safe and accessible.

5. City Planning and Research

Urban planners and researchers use GTFS to study how well a city's transit system is performing. They can identify gaps in service, measure equity, and plan for future improvements using standardized data.

6. Data Visualization

Developers create visualizations showing transit networks, service frequency, coverage gaps, and travel time maps. GTFS provides the raw data for these projects.

7. Integration with Other Services

Ride-sharing apps, bike-share systems, and mobility-as-a-service platforms integrate GTFS to show public transit as one option alongside other transportation modes.

Who Benefits from GTFS?

Riders get reliable info in the apps they already use, without having to hunt down individual schedules on different websites.

Transit Agencies get their services in front of millions of people for free, which often leads to more riders and fewer confused phone calls to customer service.

Developers can build transit apps without having to negotiate separate data deals with every single bus company in the country.

Cities benefit from better transit information leading to higher ridership and more efficient transportation systems.

What Data Does GTFS Contain?

A GTFS feed includes:

• Stop locations (names, coordinates, accessibility)

• Route definitions (names, types, colors)

• Complete timetables (arrival/departure times at every stop)

• Service calendars (which days routes operate)

• Route shapes (geographic paths for map display)

• Fare information (prices, payment rules)