Viggiano, Irvine and Martin – STATEWIDE APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE TRANSIT INFORMATION SYSTEM 2023

Description

The 2023 TCRP synthesis examines how state DOTs and MPOs aggregate transit data into statewide and regional resources to support planning, rider access, real‑time services, and integrated fares. Based on literature, a 92‑response survey (84 agencies) and five case studies (Vermont, Michigan, Virginia, Minnesota, Cal‑ITP), the report finds widespread use of GTFS and GTFS Realtime among larger providers, while small, rural, and demand‑response services lag. Agencies commonly fund or assist GTFS creation, validation, and consolidation into centralized tools, APIs, and public trip planners; about 20 data‑collector agencies reported active projects using mixed funding and vendor/internal development. Major challenges are feed quality and maintenance, reflecting temporary service changes, limited staff and funds, low GTFS‑Flex adoption for demand‑response, and difficulty integrating payments. The synthesis recommends further research into barriers in nonparticipating jurisdictions and clearer standards and best practices for data infrastructure—APIs, repositories, validation, procurement, and payment system integration.