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Pathways

Pathways features can model large transit stations, guiding riders from station entrances and exists to the location where they board or disembark from a transit vehicle. Some of these features make it possible to communicate a path's physical characteristics and estimated navigation time, and real-world wayfinding systems employed in stations.

Pathway Connections

At its foundational level, Pathways offers basic functionality to connect key areas defined in Location Types within a station. These connections form pathways, enabling users to obtain precise directions (e. g. from an entrance to the boarding area), which is particularly useful in navigating large and complex transit stations.

Files included Fields included
pathways.txt pathway_id, from_stop_id, to_stop_id, pathway_mode, is_bidirectional

Prerequisites:

Sample Data

The following sample defines multiple connections (also referred to as pathways) between pre-established locations (defined as stops): walkways (pathway_mode=1), stairs (pathway_mode=2), and fare gate (pathway_mode=6). Bi-directionality is also specified.

pathways.txt

pathway_id from_stop_id to_stop_id pathway_mode is_bidirectional
MainSt-001 A102_E01 A102_S01 1 1
MainSt-002 A102_S01 A102_S02 2 1
MainSt-003 A102_S02 A102_F02 1 1
MainSt-004 A102_F02 A102_F01 6 1
MainSt-005 A102_F01 A102_S03 1 1
MainSt-006 A102_S03 A102_S04 2 1
MainSt-007 A102_F01 A102_S05 1 1
MainSt-008 A102_S05 A102_S06 2 1
MainSt-009 A102_S04 A102_B01 1 1
MainSt-010 A102_S06 A102_B02 1 1

Pathway Details

More details can be added regarding the physical characteristics of a station’s pathways, including length, width and slope (for ramps) or the number of stairs (for stairways). This helps riders anticipate the conditions and accessibility of the pathway they need to navigate.

Files included Fields included
pathways.txt max_slope, min_width, length, stair_count

Prerequisites:

Sample Data

The following sample defines additional details to pre-established pathways including minimum width, step count for stairs and length and maximum slope for walkways.

pathways.txt

pathway_id max_slope min_width length stair_count
MainSt-001 0 4.3 3.6
MainSt-002 2.2 15
MainSt-003 0.06 4 3.1
MainSt-004 0.9 2.9
MainSt-005 0 3.5 5
MainSt-006 2.2 18
MainSt-007 0 3.5 5
MainSt-008 2.2 18
MainSt-009 0 6 2
MainSt-010 0 6 2

Levels

Levels can be used to list all different levels within a station, providing users with an additional layer of information to stations. This feature also enables the use of elevators in conjunction with the Pathways connections feature.

Files included Fields included
levels.txt level_id, level_index, level_name
stops.txt level_id

Prerequisites:

Sample Data

The following sample shows the different levels in a station. Locations (defined as stops) are then assigned to their corresponding level.

stops.txt

level_id level_index level_name
level_0_street 0 On street
level_-1_lobby -1 Lobby
level_-2_platform -2 Platform

pathways.txt

stop_id level_id
Station_A102
A102_B01 -2
A102_B02 -2
A102_E01 0
A102_S01 0
A102_S02 -1
A102_S03 -1
A102_S04 -2
A102_S05 -1
A102_S06 -2
A102_F01 -1
A102_F02 -1

In-Station Traversal Time

In-Station Traversal Time provides an additional level of detail to in-station directions, giving users an estimated time required to navigate stations, resulting in better travel directions and travel times.

Files included Fields included
pathways.txt traversal_time

Prerequisites:

Sample Data

The following sample shows estimated travel time (in seconds) needed to navigate each pathway.

pathways.txt

pathway_id traversal_time
MainSt-001 3
MainSt-002 20
MainSt-003 2
MainSt-004 2
MainSt-005 4
MainSt-006 25
MainSt-007 4
MainSt-008 25
MainSt-009 2
MainSt-010 2

Pathway Signs

Pathway Signs can bridge the information displayed in trip planners with real-world signs. If this is represented in a feed, trip planners can provide directions such as 'follow signs to '.

Files included Fields included
pathways.txt signposted_as, reversed_signposted_as

Prerequisites:

Sample Data

The following sample specifies the navigation information associated with pre-established pathways, reflecting the text displayed on the station's physical signs.

pathways.txt

pathway_id signposted_as reversed_signposted_as
MainSt-001 to lobby Exit
MainSt-002
MainSt-003 To platforms Exit
MainSt-004
MainSt-005 Westbound trains Exit
MainSt-006
MainSt-007 Eastbound trains Exit
MainSt-008
MainSt-009 Westbound trains To Lobby
MainSt-010 Eastbound trains To Lobby