GTFS stands for General Transit Feed Specification and is an open data standard.

/ Reading: 2 min.

29. Aug 2024

/ Germany

What is GTFS-Flex?

GTFS stands for General Transit Feed Specification and is an open data standard. Transport companies around the world use this standard to provide their traffic data on routes, timetables, tariffs, but also real-time information. This allows passengers to see if a bus is delayed and is not limited to a local app when searching for a public transport connection.

Until August 2024, GTFS-Flex was an extension of this standard, which contains all information for flexible on-demand transport. Now GTFS-Flex data is part of the GTFS data standard. Passengers can now find information on demand-responsive services more easily, which is a milestone, especially in rural regions. Until now, such demand-oriented offers have not been displayed.

Benefits for passengers

• On-demand transport is better displayed and informed
• More flexibility through a broader, demand-oriented offer
• Attractive alternative to private cars on the first and last mile

Advantages for transport companies

• Precise information about the use of all public transport means
• Higher occupancy on demand-responsive transport due to better information
• Additional sources of income through more potential passengers

Perspectives from Julian Renninger (SBB) and Christine Mauelshagen (Swiss Transit Lab)

Customer Stories

At the end of November 2024, the Canton of Zurich and SBB announced a pilot project for automated driving in public transport in Furttal near Zurich. The aim of the project is to gain practical insights into automated mobility services in public transport. The Swiss Transit Lab is responsible for the project management. As ioki, we provide the on-demand software for the future project. In our latest “Perspectives from” we talk to the project managers Julian Renninger (SBB) and Christine Mauelshagen (Swiss Transit Lab) about the most recent project for autonomous driving in Switzerland.

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