GTFS Schedule Features¶
As the GTFS Reference format evolves to meet the current needs of transit systems, its functions can become increasingly complex. The GTFS Features are intended to provide a clear and definitive explanation of functionalities enabled by the GTFS Reference format. This helps transit agencies, vendors, consumers and researchers understand the capabilities of GTFS and answer the question: What can I do with GTFS?
The following groups of features explain the purpose of each feature as well as the files and fields associated with them, helping users to understand which data is needed to support a specific feature.
Base¶
These essential features form the core of a GTFS feed. They are the minimal elements needed to represent a transit service.
-
Agency
Communicate details about the agencies responsible for the transit service.
-
Stops
Define the locations where a transit service picks up and drops off passengers.
-
Routes
Define the elements of a transit route such as name and the type of service.
-
Service Dates
Create the structure to schedule trips and service exemptions.
-
Trips
Represent transit vehicles traveling along a defined route at scheduled times.
-
Stop Times
Define the arrival and departure times of each trip for each stop.
Base add-ons¶
These features enhance a GTFS dataset, improving rider experience and facilitating collaboration between agencies, vendors, and data re-users. They may involve adding new fields to existing files or creating new files.
-
Feed Information
Communicate important information about the feed itself.
-
Shapes
Define the geographic path followed by a vehicle along a trip.
-
Route Colors
Accurately depict and communicate the color scheme assigned to specific routes.
-
Bike Allowed
Communicate if vehicles are able to accommodate bicycles or not.
-
Headsigns
Communicate the signage used by vehicles indicating the trip’s destination.
-
Location Types
Classify key areas within transit stations such as entrances and exits.
-
Frequencies
Represent services that operate on a regular frequency or specific headways.
-
Transfers
Describe transfers allowed between different transit services.
-
Translations
Communicate service information in multiple languages.
-
Attributions
Communicate who was involved in the creation of the dataset.
Accessibility¶
Accessibility features provide essential information for people with disabilities to access the service.
-
Stops Wheelchair Accessibility
Indicate whether wheelchair boarding is possible from a location.
-
Trips Wheelchair Accessibility
Indicate if a vehicle can accommodate riders using wheelchairs.
-
Text-to-Speech
Provide the necessary inputs to convert text for stop names into audio.
Fares¶
GTFS can model various fare structures, such as zone, distance, or time-of-day based fares. It informs riders of trip prices and payment methods.
-
Fare Products
Define the list of tickets or fares types available to users.
-
Fare Media
Define the media that can be used to hold and/or validate a fare product.
-
Route-Based Fares
Describe the rules used to apply different fares for specific groups of routes.
-
Time-Based Fares
Describe fares differentiated by time of the day or the day of the week.
-
Zone-Based Fares
Describe fares differentiated when traveling from one area to another.
-
Fare Transfers
Define fees applicable when transferring from one leg of the trip to another.
-
Fares V1
Legacy feature that allows a simpler representation of fare information.
Pathways¶
Pathways features allows to model large transit stations, so that riders are guided from entrances to boarding areas. They provide path details, estimated navigation times, and wayfinding systems.
-
Pathway Connections
Model paths connecting relevant points within a transit station.
-
Pathway Details
Provide additional details regarding the physical characteristics of a pathway.
-
Levels
Describe and list all different levels within a transit station.
-
In-Station Traversal Time
Communicate the estimated time to navigate paths within a transit station.
-
Pathway Signs
Communicate the in-station signage associated with a pathway.
Flexible services¶
Flexible services, or demand-responsive services, that do not follow regular schedules or fixed routes.
-
Continuous Stops
Indicate if a user can be picked up and/or dropped off between stops.
-
Booking Rules
Indiate if users can reserve a trip on a demand-responsive service.
-
Predefined Routes with Deviation
Vehicles that can briefly deviate from a route to pick up or drop off.
-
Zone-based Demand Responsive Services
Services that allow pick up/drop off at any location within a specific area.
-
Fixed-Stops Demand Responsive Services
Services that allow pick up/drop off at any location within a group of stops.