Route Timetable Data Services

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Pace's Route Timetable Data services is provided for developers seeking Pace timetable data which can be used to develop internet or cell-phone apps.

Data is available as General Transfer Feed Specification (GTFS) Data. GTFS was previously named "Google Transit Feed Specification."

The GTFS defines a common format for public transportation schedules and associated geographic information.  This open format specification is used by transit agencies and third parties to provide transit directions in a variety of Web and transit apps, including Google Maps.  Pace is pleased to share this data with the public for non commercial use.

• Overview
• Tables in our feed
• Questions and Answers
• Pace GTFS data package (in ZIP format)
• Limited License Agreement and Terms of Use

Scheduled Service Data (GTFS Feed) Overview

The General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) is an open format for packaging scheduled service data. GTFS data is produced by hundreds of transit agencies (including us) around the world to deliver content for inclusion in maps and directions-giving services, including Google Maps.

Pace's GTFS feed contains a series of text files with Comma Separated Values (CSV)  that conform to the specification. The data includes geographic coordinates of the scheduled route, times that the routes operate each trip, and descriptive data for each route.  Detailed descriptions are available at the General Transit Feed Specification web site.

Tables in our feed

We currently include the following tables in the Pace GTFS Feed (links point to more detailed information on Google Code):

• agency.txt - basic agency information
• stops.txt - list of stop locations for bus and train, also includes parent station info for trains
• routes.txt  - route list with unique identifiers
• trips.txt - has information about each trip taken by a Pace vehicle
• stop_times.txt - scheduled arrival/departure times for each stop on each trip
• calendar.txt - defines which service IDs operate on which days
• license_terms.txt - Pace's Limited License Agreement and Terms of Use.

Quick Q&A

Q: Why use this format?

A: GTFS is a lightweight, open format that provides a common, easy way to exchange transit data. You don't have to be Google to use it.

Q: Will you help me troubleshoot?

A: If we help you, it's only fair that we help everyone else, too. We simply don't have the resources for that. Thoroughly compare your work with the schedules and fares on the Pace website and tweak your output accordingly. We expect you to provide accurate information to our customers.

Q: How often is the GTFS data updated?

A: The GTFS data is generally updated about once a month, but sometimes more frequently. We distribute a GTFS package for trip planning tools as it's needed, once the schedule is formed; the files may be updated more often if planned changes to service are about to be implemented.  For your convenience, Pace provides the date of the last update next to our GTFS link.

Q: Which routes end up in your GTFS data?

A: The GTFS data is available because the electronic data systems exist as a part of Pace's Intelligent Bus System (IBS) project. Some routes are not included in that project and data for those routes is not part of the electronic data system.   Pace can only provide GTFS for routes with IBS equipment installed.

Feed Location

The Pace implementation of GTFS is the feed delivered in a ZIP file with six tables of GTFS data, plus a text file containing the license agreement (the Terms of Use).

The feed data is located in: http://www.pacebus.com/gtfs/gtfs.zip.
Current release date is September 22, 2017.

Download the ZIP file above. Only one package is posted at any given time, typically representing Pace service from now until a couple of months in the future. Use the Calendar table to see on which days and dates service in the Trips table are effective.

Documentation

The General Transit Feed Specification is documented at the Google Code developers site.

Pace Bus Tracker

Pace also provides real time arrival/departure predictions on our Pace Bus Tracker page.  This data is not available for download.

Real Time Arrival/Departure Predictions

For Non-Technical Assistance,  Call (847) 364-PACE

 Please contact us with your questions or comments.

Free trip-planning services, route, fare and schedule information, call:

• RTA Travel Info: 836-7000 (any suburban area code)
• RTA TTY: (312) 836-4949

Limited License Agreement and Terms of Use

Pace, the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority ("Licensor" or "Pace") owns and maintains certain electronic route and arrival data ("Pace's Data"). Pace hereby grants you ("Licensee") non-exclusive, limited and revocable rights to use, reproduce and redistribute Pace's Data to assist you with mass transportation. Pace has the right, at any time, to change, modify, correct, add or delete any or all of the data on this website, temporarily or permanently, without notice to Licensee. By submitting a query or using the data you agree to be bound by all the terms and conditions set forth herein.

Proprietary Rights

Licensee agrees the Pace name and Pace logo are the trade name and trademark of Pace. Licensee agrees that it will not make any alterations to the Pace logo. Licensee may not use the Pace name or logo without the prior written consent of Pace. The Pace name and logo may not be used in connection with the products or services of others.

All right, title and interest to any copyrights, patents or other intellectual property rights embodied in the Pace Data are Pace's sole and exclusive property.

No Warranties

Pace Data is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. Pace disclaims all warranties, whether express or implied, including but not limited to warranties that the data is free of errors, defects, viruses, able to operate on an uninterrupted basis and implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy or non-infringement. Your use of this website and its data is solely at your own risk.

Indemnification

Licensee agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Pace, its officers, agents and employees harmless against any and all liability, claims, judgments, suits, losses, expenses, payment, judgment, settlement, award, costs (including reasonable attorney fees and costs), and causes of actions whatsoever, including but not limited to patent and copyright infringement, defamation, personal injury, death, or property damage arising out of or as a result of this Agreement.

Limitation on Liability

Under no circumstances shall Pace, its officers, agents or employees be liable for damages of any kind, including but not limited to direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages arising from Licensee or others' use, misuse, inability to use or reliance upon this website or its data regardless of whether the alleged liability is based upon tort, contract, negligence, strict liability, warranty or any other legal theory. Additionally, Pace, its officers, agents or employees shall not be liable for any delay or failure in performance resulting directly or indirectly from electrical power failures, internet and other equipment failures, acts of nature, or causes beyond its reasonable control.

Severability

If any provision in this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, it shall be severed and its severance shall not affect the remaining portions of this Agreement

Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between Pace and Licensee and no other warranties, inducements, considerations, promises or interpretations, which are not expressly stated herein, shall be implied or impressed upon this Agreement.

Governing Law

Any disputes that arise as a result of this Agreement shall be heard in an Illinois court of competent jurisdiction without giving effect to its conflict of laws provisions and Illinois law shall be applied.