Product Features
- GTFS Builder Guidebook.
- Two Excel spreadsheets (ImportExport.xlsm and Schedule Generator.xlsm) that work together to compile a GTFS data file.
- Two Excel spreadsheets (ImportExport – Sample Data.xlsm and Schedule Generator – Sample Data.xlsm) that provide examples of correctly input GTFS data.
- Free hosting of your complete GTFS files from a stable URL that Google Transit, and other apps, can download from.
- Eleven training videos.
- Free technical assistance (by phone and email).
Before Beginning
Confirm or Create Agency Website with Schedules – National RTAP Website Builder 3.0 If your agency will publish your GTFS data at Google Maps, Google Inc. requires an agency have a website and that the website accurately displays routes and schedules that exactly match those represented by GTFS data. National RTAP can help! Build your own website using Website Builder 3.0 or contact us for further assistance (support@nationalrtap.org).
License Agreements
At this time, many trip planners do not require signing a formal licensing agreement. However, for your trip data to be available on Google Maps, Google Inc. requires an agency to agree to the terms of its License Agreement. The agreement is provided by Google Inc. as part of the Google Transit Program. There is no fee to sign the agreement. The agreement must be digitally signed by an authorized representative of your agency. A sample agreement can be reviewed here: Sample Agreement.pdf
Some agencies find the licensing agreement raises concerns. A practicing attorney provides a detailed explanation of an agreement in this video. If the license agreement might slow down your initial launch, consider publishing to many other trip planners and re-evaluating Google Maps at a later date.
Hardware/Software Requirements
- A Personal Computer (PC) or Mac operating with Bootcamp or Parallels
- Microsoft Excel, version 2010 or more recent (macros enabled)
- Google Earth Pro on Desktop. A free version of Google Earth Pro can be downloaded here.
Skill and Time Requirements
- Beginner to intermediate level Microsoft Excel skills
- Beginner familiarity with Google’s My Maps
- Beginner familiarity with Google Earth
- Initial Data Input - Average 4 hours per route
- Maintenance: Approximately 4 hours per year, assuming minor route or stop changes
Support
The GTFS Builder Support Center offers a comprehensive GTFS Builder Guidebook, eleven targeted how-to videos, links to Google’s Transit Partners Program and other important resources. The how-to videos will walk you through gathering and inputting your transit routes and schedule data into the GTFS Builder Excel files.
Most importantly, our technical support staff is available to answer question by phone or email and review your GTFS files. FAQs, links to additional resources and a partial list of companies that provide GTFS services are available on the Support page.
Support