App developers with special interest in real-time public transport information should note that the National Transport Authority (NTA) plans to replace its RTPI REST API with a new GTFS Real-Time API by the end of September.
In line with the NTA’s commitment to providing open data, a new GTFS Real-time (GTFS-R) API has been launched. GTFS-R is a data feed specification that allows the NTA to provide real-time public transport updates to application developers. It is an extension to GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification), an open data format for public transportation schedules and associated geographic information.
GTFS-R was designed around ease of implementation, good GTFS interoperability, and a focus on passenger information. The new GTFS-R API contains real-time updates for services provided by Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, and Go-Ahead Ireland.
The new GTFS-R API is planned to replace the existing RTPI REST API, which is approaching end of life, and will be discontinued.
As such, the following dates should be noted in relation to the existing RTPI REST API:
- 28th August: Planned temporary shutdown of RTPI REST API
- 30th September: Permanent shutdown of RTPI REST API
Registration for the GTFS-R API can be completed at https://developer.nationaltransport.ie/
The NTA’s GTFS-R production URL is https://gtfsr.transportforireland.ie/v1
Further details on the GTFS-R API can be found at the following links: