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.
The Pace implementation of GTFS is the feed delivered in a ZIP file of GTFS data, plus a text file containing the license agreement (the Terms of Use).
Only one package is posted at any given time - use the Calendar table to see on which days and dates service in the Trips table are effective.
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 General Transit Feed Specification Reference.
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 effective date 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.
The General Transit Feed Specification is documented at the Google Code developers site.
Pace also provides real time arrival/departure predictions on our Pace Bus Tracker page. This data is not available for download.
Please contact us with your questions or comments.
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