Improving rail replacement information for public transport timetables

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has updated the GTFS Schedule(opens in a new window) to provide more detailed information when buses replace metropolitan trains.

DTP made the following dataset changes and improvements:

• Buses replacing trains:
  • New rail replacement routes are included in routes.txt and trips.txt.
  • Maps show separate lines for train and replacement buses, so bus replacement routes can be shown on roads rather than on train lines.
  • Bus replacements are displayed in a different colour to the train, so passengers can clearly differentiate the two modes.
  • Line and platform names display ‘Replacement Bus’ to make the information clear.
• Other configuration changes:
  • Regional trains have a reference to a parent stop in stops.txt, which enables all V/Line stops to show as wheelchair accessible in Open data. This change follows on from DTP's recent release of wheelchair accessible journeys in metropolitan train trip information.
  • Stop names are standardised for all modes of transport in stops.txt, supporting consistency with DTP naming conventions.

Third-party journey planning apps can now show clearer information when buses replace trains. This promotes a more informed, safe and reliable journey for passengers.

This change is part of the Public Transport Data Program. For more information about the improvements being made to public transport open data, visit Public Transport Data Program(opens in a new window).